In response to the mass rejections of the De Young Open call, Voss Gallery and Metal Haus Gallery present Refusés of the Bay as a powerful ode to the spirit of resilience in the Bay Area's art scene. Echoing the daring legacy of the Salon des Refusés of 1863, "Refusés of the Bay" spotlights the many local artists, including myself, who were overlooked in the face of 7,700 submissions.
Refusés of the Bay
Year: 2023
Medium: Official "Refusés of the Bay" Catalogue
Conception: "Refusés of the Bay" was conceived as an homage to the audacious 1863 Salon des Refusés, an art event that defied convention by showcasing artworks initially rejected by the prestigious Paris Salon. Fast forward to 2023, when the de Young Museum received over 7,700 submissions for its triennial open call for community artists, with fewer than 900 artists chosen. "Refusés of the Bay" serves as a response to this staggering disparity, offering an essential platform for artists whose work merits recognition but was inexplicably overlooked. After being rejected by the De Young for my project, re:flect, a handcrafted board game commemorating the two years of living and working through a pandemic, I submitted to and was accepted by the Refusés of the Bay catalogue.
Impact: "Refusés of the Bay" goes beyond an exhibition; it's a movement, a response to the unmet artistic potential that often languishes in the shadows. It shines a spotlight on the renegades, the unconventional, and the unheard voices in the art world, championing their resilience and creativity. "Refusés of the Bay" invites you to join the revolution and redefine the story of the Bay Area art scene.
