Reviews on Inside Out Upside Down Gallery Site
Sulman Prize 2010
Well what can I say,? The works exhibited contain a wide spread of subject/ genre matter most of which is not very impressive. First response is to think why didn't the horse win, it is a competent sculptural work decoratively painted and at least asking people to have a look.
Much of this exhibition reminded me of late 70s student art. Work that strives to express ideas and concepts in a manner that shyly hides itself in self deception of being out there (some where). The quality of line and font was good, if a touch repetitive and not particularly inspiring. The representational works in general were inconsistent in conception and work style. The painting of a horse was exceptional except the background jarred badly with the quality of the foreground.
The works did present a relatively cohesive exhibition. Unfortunately not finding much of it engaging or amusing I have managed to forget most very quickly.
I would think that many people may enjoy the cohesive combination so I wont say don't go. I'll just suggest the judge take up curating as he has done a good job with a collection of material that works--- just not for me.
By the way the real refusals are on at the TAP Gallery 45 Burton Street, Darlinghurst till 25 April. These are works refused by Archibald, Wynn and Sulman selectors.
Review Based on Web Site Information
At this time only the winner has been published on the web site. Bring back the zebras under flood lights. Have the arts community really disappeared that far up that passage that they have no visual sensitivity left, or appreciation for skill. If this is a work worthy of a prize then perhaps art has become an unnecessary commodity and anyone trying to get their head into daylight outside the passage should just change jobs.
You may get the impression that I don't think much of the winner, you are perfectly correct. As someone that puts in an entry every year I'm just a touch miffed at being rejected so news print can get a space on the wall. Next year to increase my objectivity in reviewing the prize I'll save myself $30, not enter and get the opportunity to attack this shambles in the way it deserves.
A small update. I've been to the gallery and been turned off by the length of the queue, but I have seen the paintings at the start of the Archibald and the end of the Sulman. It was enough to convince me not to go to the exhibition and to abandon any intention of spending good money on a very questionable collection of under developed, inadequate images. How does the selection indicate anything other than the disconnect between the art community and the general public? The Sulman selection seem to be a collection of Goodalls gone completely putrid.
author: Neil Miley