Emperor Australis by Mark Davis took home the top gong in this year’s Bald Archy Prize. Image: Supplied.
The winner of a major satirical art prize has praised the importance of “electing and critiquing” our leaders.
The Bald Archy Prize was created in 1994 by the late Peter Batey and is considered Australia’s premier satirical art prize.
The winner, announced this week in Canberra, is artist Mark Davis for his work Emperor Australis.
Mark Davis said he was extremely humbled to be named the winner of the $10,000 prize.
“The Bald Archy is a wonderful competition. It draws out the amazing creative talent and great sense of humour of Australians,” he explained.
“When I am often at Parliament House in Canberra, I like to stroll slowly through the halls and admire the magnificent paintings.”
His winning work is a reimagining of Jacques-Louis David’s iconic Napoleon Crossing the Alps (which sees the titular man on horseback), and depicts Prime Minister Anthony Albanese riding a kangaroo.
“My entry was inspired by those paintings and by Australia’s great democratic freedoms,” Mr Davis said.
“This gives us the privilege of both electing and critiquing our leaders, including through humour.”
Judy Nadin’s caricature of musician Nick Cave, Wild God, won the $2,000 2025 People’s Choice Award (which was sponsored by Briggs Law).
Fans were able to cast their vote as the 2025 exhibition toured around regional Australia.
Do you recognise Nick Cave in Judy Nadin’s work? Image: Supplied.
Those depicted in the exhibition are recognisable to many – after all, it’s dominated by familiar political faces, with multiple depictions of Bob Katter, Pauline Hanson, Barnaby Joyce and Prime Minister Albanese.
Parodying the Archibald Prize and judged by sulphur-crested cockatoo Maude, the show continues to shock and amuse the public under the administration of Wagga Wagga City Council’s Museum of the Riverina.
Manager Tim Kurylowicz said supporting Australia’s art satire scene is a needed cause.
“The Bald Archy Prize continues to grow in reputation and reach as a real institution of the Australian art scene.
“Turbulent times like these call for sharp wits and fearless satire, and this year’s crop of Bald Archy entries rise to the challenge!”
This year marked a milestone for the prize, with a record number of entries from across the country and a significant influx of new artists.
The Canberra Potters Gallery at Watson Arts Centre has again partnered 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,” said CEO Jessi England.
“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 the Bald Archy finalists on exhibition at The Watson Arts Centre in Canberra until 15 March between 10 am and 4 pm (Tuesday to Friday), or 10 am to 2 pm (Saturday to Sunday).
The exhibition will then be shown at venues around NSW and Victoria. For tour details, visit Bald Archy.
