The winner of the $10,000 prize for the 2024 Bald Archy Prize was announced on Friday evening (15 March) at the Canberra Potters Watson Art Centre in Canberra.
Back for its 28th year, the 2024 Bald Archy Prize has been awarded to artist Judy Nadin, for her work Flippin’ Kerfection, a satirical caricature depicting Australian professional soccer player Sam Kerr OAM’s iconic celebratory backflip in exaggerated action.
“I’m over the moon to have won the 2024 Bald Archy Prize and thrilled the Museum of the Riverina has kept Peter Batey’s legacy alive,” said winner Judy Nadin.
“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.
“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 back flip, because the entire country was doing backflips after that quarter final match.
“Lastly, I’d like to thank Maude the Cockatoo (Bald Archy Prize judge), she’s obviously a Sam Kerr fan.”
Created in 1994 by the late Peter Batey OAM, the Bald Archy Prize is considered Australia’s premier satirical art prize.
Parodying the Archibald Prize and judged by sulphur crested cockatoo Maude, it has served to shock and amuse an enthusiastic public.
After Peter Batey passed away in 2019, the administration of the prize went to the Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga, which revived the tour in 2023.
Museum of the Riverina Manager Luke Grealy said “The Bald Archy Prize is a highlight for the Museum of the Riverina’s own exhibition schedule along with drawing strong audience numbers for the venues it visits during its annual tour.
“Maude has made another wise choice this year with Judy’s painting Flippin’ Kerfection.”
CEO Canberra Potters Watson Art Centre Richard Thomas said “it’s been another fantastic year for the Bald Archy Prize at the Canberra Potters Gallery.
“We are very excited to be the host venue for this year’s winner’s announcement and Maude has made an excellent choice as always.
“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.”
The 2024 Bald Archy Prize is on display at the Canberra Potters Watson Art Centre until March 17, before it sets off on an interstate year-long tour.
Tour info and full list of 2024 entries available at www.baldarchy.com.au
