Phil joins Hidden Faces
Rokeby artist Phil Henshall was recently accepted into the “Hidden Faces – Salon des Refuses” exhibition for painting “Monash. Five Star General”.
This was despite Phil not submitting a work for the Archibald Prize.
Phil, who currently opens his studio to the public on the second weekend of each month, said the painting of Sir John Monash would not have qualified for the Archibald Prize. The annual prize is restricted to portraits of living, prominent persons.
Many works are submitted for the Archibald Prize but only a minority are accepted or shortlisted. As a result, “Hidden Faces – Salon des Refuses” gives the chance for unsuccessful works by Victorian artists to be exhibited.
Phil had previous submitted, without success, “Monash. Five Star General” to the Sir John Sulman Prize.
He was recommended for “Hidden Faces” by Wayne Foenander of Gippsland Art Couriers.
Phil said Tim Fischer had argued in his book “Maestro John Monash” that Sir John Monash should be posthumously elevated from four star General to five star Field Marshal.
This painting purports that, even if he never will be, he is already five star (of David) coming from his Jewish heritage, says Phil.
“Hidden Faces – Salon des Refuses” is now being exhibited at Pan Pacific Melbourne in South Wharf until October 4.
Phil Henshall’s studio at 116 Main Neerim Rd, Rokeby is open on the second weekend of the month between 10am and 5pm..
For further information, call 0418 318 187 or visit philhenshall.com.au.