Neighbor News
BWAC Hosts Salon des Refusés 2024
An exhibition of more than 200 artists whose artwork was not accepted into the Brooklyn Museum's upcoming anniversary exhibit.
In February 2024, the Brooklyn Museum announced an open call for artwork for an upcoming exhibition celebrating the institution’s 200th anniversary. Brooklyn-based artists were invited to submit artwork for consideration for The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition, “an exhilarating major group show that will illuminate the unparalleled breadth and depth of talent in our borough.”
On August 2nd, artists were notified whether their submissions were accepted for the exhibit. Thousands of artists applied to this exciting opportunity, however due to limited space, only few were accepted.
In light of the many artists whose artwork was not selected for the Brooklyn Museum exhibition, BWAC (Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition) decided to host a Salon des Refusés 2024 group show to showcase some of these works. This exhibit unites and uplifts various studios and arts organizations within the artist community as well as complements the Brooklyn Museum show.
Artists who received a rejection letter for The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition were invited to exhibit their originally submitted artwork at BWAC instead.
The original Salon des Refusés took place in 1863 when the Paris Salon held its annual exhibition of academic arts. Thousands of artists applied but were rejected and were unable to display their work in the official Salon exhibition. It was determined that their work did not fulfill academic standards of the time. Emperor Napoleon III, who wanted the public to make the decision, organized a simultaneous exhibition of all the rejects in the Palace of Industry. This exhibition included artists such as Manet, Cezanne, Pissarro and Whistler. The exhibition of “rejects” became famously known as the Salon des Refusés 1863.
“As artists, we are very grateful for having the opportunity to submit a work to be exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum,” said Janet Morgan, co-curator of BWAC’s Salon des Refusés 2024. “Still, artists want to exhibit their works, so BWAC is giving them that opportunity.”
Salon des Refusés 2024 opens Saturday, September 21 and will be on display until Sunday, October 13, 2024. BWAC is located at 481 Van Brunt St. in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The gallery is open weekends from 1 to 6 pm or by appointment. For information on events and membership, visit bwac.org.