The firm has been supporting the Salon des Refusés for two decades
A national law firm is continuing its long heritage of art patronage and honouring its founder’s passion for the arts.
Artist Sally Ryan won this year’s Holding Redlich Salon des Refusés People’s Choice Awards for a contemporary-realist work of her son Ben. The award was voted on by visitors to the annual exhibition.
The Salon des Refusés is a yearly exhibit at the National Trust’s SH Ervin Gallery.
“In this painting we see a great deal of empathy and authenticity, two qualities that can be found in so many the People’s Choice Award winners over the past 20 years,” said Stephen Trew, Holding Redlich’s Sydney managing partner. “We congratulate Sally, and wish her all the best with her future endeavours.”
Jane Watters, SH Ervin Gallery director, said that two of the most memorable works in the last 20 years of the exhibit are by Robert Hannaford of indigenous actor Trevor Jamison and Nick Stathopolous’ portrait of Robert Hogue.
“Both of these works are masterful in their execution and portray the sitters with immense authenticity revealing a deep connection to their subject,” she said. “Although contemporary portraiture continues to evolve into new modes one thing is certain that the visitors to the Salon reward those works which continue the tradition of realistic depictions of people in a manner that they appreciate is real and without artifice.
That connection might be key element in the people’s pick for the award, Trew said.
“It is clear that visitors to this exhibition are looking to find a connection with artworks that are realistic and have a story to tell – whether political, social or cultural,” he added.
This year marks the 20th year Holding Redlich has supported the award. Ian Robertson, national managing partner, said the firm’s heritage of supporting the arts comes from founder Peter Redlich’s passion for the arts.
“We are very proud to have sponsored this exhibition and this prize since 1999,” Robertson said. “This is reflective of our firm’s long-term desire to support the arts nationally.”
Related stories:
National firm commits to Far North Queensland with two mergers
20 senior appointments at national firm
