Wit and art are blended on the canvas in the Baldy Archy Prize exhibition, with the 2024 winner announced as Flippin’ Kerfection by Judy Nadin at Canberra Potters Watson Art Centre.
Ms Nadin was thrilled to be announced the winner of the title and $10,000 for her painting inspired by Australian professional soccer player Sam Kerr and her iconic celebratory backflip.
“I painted the Aussie legend, that is the Matildas’ captain Sam Kerr, because like most of Australia, I rode the Matildas wave during the 2023 World Cup,” she said. “The joy and unity that our country felt, I wanted to capture that important moment in time for my entry. I painted Sam doing her trademark backflip, because the entire country was doing backflips after that quarter-final match.”
Running for the 28th year, the competition was created in 1994 by Peter Batey OAM as a parody of the prestigious Archibald competition. Rather than a panel of trustees, the Bald Archy’s is judged by Maude, a keen-eyed, sulphur-crested cockatoo.
“I’d like to thank Maude the Cockatoo, she’s obviously a Sam Kerr fan,” smiled Ms Nadin.
Not taking itself too seriously, the competition has shocked and delighted enthusiastic visitors around the country, often touted as Australia’s premier satirical art prize.
After the passing of the founder in 2019, the administration of the Bald Archy Prize went to the Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga. Museum Manager Luke Grealy said the Prize is a highlight of the museum’s schedule each year.
“Maude has made another wise choice this year with Judy’s painting Flippin’ Kerfection,” Mr Grealy said.
Canberra Potters Watson Art Centre CEO Richard Thomas said they were excited to be able to be the host venue for this year’s announcement.
“It’s been another fantastic year for the Bald Archy Prize at the Canberra Potters Gallery…The audience reaction to this year’s show has been a delight to witness and confirms that the Bald Archy is back bigger and better than ever,” Mr Thomas said.
The winning work and other entrants in the 2024 Bald Archy Prize will be on display at Canberra Potters Watson Arts Centre until this Sunday, 17 March. The exhibition then heads off for a year-long, interstate tour.
To see a full list of entries and find tour details visit; baldarchy.com.au
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