Two artists who have immortalised two fellow creatives have been named People’s Choice Award winners in this year’s The Percivals.
Portraitist Baby Guerilla’s work ‘The poetry of the Earth is never dead’– Keats and photographer Sonia Warrell’s piece Blue Monsoon have both won People’s Choice Awards.
During the three-month exhibition of The Percivals, 5762 visitors poured through the doors of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery to view 122 artworks across the painting, photography and animal portraiture competition categories.
For Townsville-based photographer Ms Warrell, her winning piece is about reclaiming tactile techniques in an increasingly digital world while celebrating up-and-coming actor Alyssandra Higgins.
“Our region has produced brilliant actors and performers who move onto the world stage, Blue Monsoon tells the story of Alyssandra’s dream while she’s working towards it. The location, wardrobe, movie-poster style of the layering, raw edged mount and choice of paper are all elements of the storytelling,” she said.
“While I have known about The Percivals for some time, this is the first time I’ve entered. To have two of my three entries selected is exciting for me, especially as both works are examples of analogue processes in a world flooded with digitally created images.
“Layering images entirely in-camera is a technique I have been working with since July 2025. Using analogue techniques offers a complex simplicity in a world where digital creativity is at everyone’s fingertips through the proliferation of AI and advances in phone cameras. It’s more meaningful to me to intentionally create from nothing but light and a camera.”
“For me, it’s about testing ideas, mastering skill and creating photographic art with minimal adjustments.”
Meanwhile Victorian artist Baby Guerilla’s striking circular portrait of 102-year-old musician Edwin Dentin has struck a chord with visitors, taking out the People’s Choice Award in the portrait painting category.
“Edwin has spent a life devoted to making art and refining his music. I saw a great deal of beauty, and inspiration in his pursuit and commitment. It resonated with me that as artists we practice this impossible task of reflecting the wonders that we see all around us,” the artist said.
“The artwork celebrates his pursuit and it has made me reflect that sometimes this journey is also a thing of great beauty as well as the muse itself. It is something that humans have been doing for millions of years; finding language, art and music to reflect the wonders and mysteries of the world around them.”
Baby Guerilla has previously contributed to Townsville’s Street Art Trail with her Ogden Street work Perpetual Motion.
“I love Townsville, it’s a beautiful place and the people are very welcoming. I have found it to be supportive of the arts and supportive of artists. Very often in a cold Melbourne winter I will ponder migrating up north,” she said.
“I’m grateful that we have these opportunities like The Percivals in Australia and I’m very grateful to be part of it.”
Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said it was great to see these two artists celebrated at the culmination of this nationally renowned exhibition.
“The Percivals is a celebration of our country’s artistic talent and our artists’ ability to connect with visitors through paintings and photographs. Having more than 5700 visitors take the time to see this remarkable exhibition just shows how valued exhibitions like The Percivals are to our community and tourists to our city,” Cr Greaney said.
“I’d like to extend my congratulations to Sonia and Baby Guerilla for winning People’s Choice Awards for their works – well done.”
The Percivals 2026 ran from 23 May to 30 August 2026. To view all of the winners and finalists, visit The Percivals website.
