The winner of the 2026 Bald Archy Prize has been announced at the Canberra Potters Watson Art Centre at a special launch event on Thursday evening.
In the prize's landmark 30th year, the $10,000 2026 Bald Archy Prize has been awarded to artist Mark Davis for his work Emperor Australis.
A clever play on Jacques-Louis David's iconic Napoleon Crossing the Alps, the painting depicts Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a heroic yet hilarious pose, swapping a stallion for a kangaroo as he conquers the Australian landscape.
Mark Davis said he was extremely humbled to be the winner of the 2026 Bald Archy Prize.
"The Bald Archy is a wonderful competition. It draws out the amazing creative talent and great sense of humour of Australians.
"When I am often at Parliament House in Canberra, I like to stroll slowly through the halls and admire the magnificent paintings. My entry was inspired by those paintings and by Australia's great democratic freedoms.
"This gives us the privilege of both electing and critiquing our leaders, including through humour."
Also announced at the launch event was the winner of the 2025 People's Choice award which was voted on during the regional tour of the 2025 exhibition.
The winner was Judy Nadin's caricature of musician Nick Cave, Wild God, with Nadin taking home the $2000 prize, sponsored by Briggs Law.
Created in 1994 by the late Peter Batey OAM, the Bald Archy Prize is considered to be Australia's premier satirical art prize.
Parodying the Archibald Prize and judged by sulphur-crested cockatoo Maude, it continues to shock and amuse an enthusiastic public under the administration of Wagga Wagga City Council's Museum of the Riverina.
This year marked a milestone for the prize, receiving a record number of entries from across the country, with a significant influx of new artists bringing fresh perspectives to the tradition of Australian satire.
The exhibition showcases a wide variety of subjects, with the walls dominated by familiar political faces including multiple depictions of Bob Katter, Pauline Hanson, Barnaby Joyce, and Anthony Albanese.
"The Bald Archy Prize continues to grow in reputation and reach as a real institution of the Australian art scene," Manager of the Museum of the Riverina Tim Kurylowicz said.
"Turbulent times like these call for sharp wits and fearless satire, and this year's crop of Bald Archy entries rise to the challenge!"
CEO Canberra Potters Jessi England said the Canberra Potters Gallery at Watson Arts Centre is delighted to be once again partnering with the Museum of the Riverina to present the exhibition.
"We have hosted the Bald Archys for many years, launching the exhibition annually and kicking off the national tour.
"The exhibition is beloved by Canberra audiences, providing entertaining and humour-filled reflections on the year that has been and providing a great platform for artists from across the country to showcase their talent and wit."
People can see Emperor Australis and the full cohort of Bald Archy finalists on exhibition at The Watson Arts Centre until 15 March 15, 10am-4pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am-2pm Saturday to Sunday, and then at venues around NSW and Victoria.
Visit www.baldarchy.com.au for tour details.
