“salon de refusés” 2003 - a self study

After Craig’s initial muse was unexpectedly summoned abroad in 2003, mid-way through painting her for his first attempt at the Archibald Prize, he ended up submitting a self-portrait on a whim instead.

Although ‘Self Study’ wasn't selected for the Archibald Prize that year, it was chosen to hang in the “Salon de Refusés”, which was created in 1992 as a platform to exhibit an alternate selection of portraits from the overwhelming number of artworks rejected by the Archibald, and subsequently never seen by the general public. As fate would have it, this was a blessing in disguise.

Due to the amount of attention that it gathered, the organisers invited me to give a speech on the close of the exhibition, which was an emotional experience as it was the first significant acknowledgement of his work. Meanwhile a remark was made that artists who are recognised in the “Salon de Refusés” often go on to be included in the Archibald finalists the following year.

In 2004, Craig went on to win the Archibald Prize with his alluring portrait of David Gulpilil, ‘Two Worlds’.

At that juncture it became apparent to Craig that his art making practice was (and still is) an opportunity to make a powerful statement.