Satire Reigns Supreme: Emperor Australis Crowned Winner of the 2026 Bald Archy Prize
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 iteration, 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.
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 winning artist Mark Davis said: “I am extremely humbled to be receiving this prize. The Bald Archy is a wonderful competition. It draws out the amazing creative talent and great sense of humour of Australians.”
“With a record number of entries, I’m particularly pleased to see the Bald Archy becoming a real institution of the Australian art scene. 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”
"Turbulent times like these call for sharp wits and fearless satire, and this year's crop of Bald Archy entries rise to the challenge!", said Tim Kurylowicz, Manager of the Museum of the Riverina.
People can see Emperor Australis and the full cohort of Bald Archy finalists on exhibition at The Watson Arts Centre until March 15, 10am-4pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am-2pm Saturday to Sunday, and then at venues around NSW and Victoria.