Art enthusiasts in Adelaide have the opportunity to view a notable collection of contemporary Australian portraiture and landscape works at the David Roche Gallery in North Adelaide. The gallery is hosting the 2026 Salon des Refusés exhibition, which runs until October 24 and is the only South Australian venue presenting the annual showcase this year.

The Salon des Refusés traces its origins to 1992 when it was established by Sydney's S.H. Ervin Gallery as an alternative display of entries submitted to the prestigious Archibald and Wynne Prizes. Unlike the official exhibitions held by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Salon des Refusés features works that were entered for the Archibald Prize (focused on portraiture) and the Wynne Prize (dedicated to landscape art) but were not selected for the main prize exhibitions.

For 2026, the Salon des Refusés selection comprises 57 works, including 36 portraits and 21 landscapes. Among these are pieces created by two South Australian artists, Robert Hannaford and Stewart MacFarlane, whose contributions include self-portraits, depictions of prominent Australians, and landscape compositions.

David Roche Gallery director Robert Reason highlighted the unique nature of the exhibition, noting that it provides South Australian audiences with direct access to a high-quality national art showcase outside Sydney. "Salon des Refusés has become one of our most anticipated exhibitions, and this year’s selection is no exception," he said. Reason emphasized that the exhibition offers Adelaide residents an early chance to engage with some of the country’s most discussed contemporary portraiture and landscape art.

The David Roche Gallery is located at 241 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, and is open Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets are available for purchase both online and at the gallery entrance. Further details can be found on the gallery’s website.