Power of satire, new Best of Bald Archy art exhibition, on at WPCC
NEED a little comic relief? Then make your way to the Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) and take in the newest exhibition to feature on the walls of the centre, The Best of the Bald Archy Prize.
The Bald Archy Prize is a comic portrait competition established to satirise similar art competitions, most notably the Archibald Prize held each year. The prize was established in 1994 by the late Peter Batey OAM and has grown into one of the most infamous events on the Australian art calendar, achieving an international profile and touring to both regional and capital city venues.
Peter was passionate about art being accessible to all and open to
all artists with a criteria that made it of interest to people from all walks of life.
“The Bald Archy regularly features famous Australians who are topical during the year. Some of the famous faces featured in the past include Bert Newton, Bart Cummings, Anh Do and Dame Edna,” Dubbo Regional Council Acting Curator and Exhibitions Officer Mariam Abboud said. “The Bald Archy exhibition at
nd the WPCC will feature a collection of the past winners and celebrates the lighter side of the art world. The Bald Archy is a unique exhibition that will entice a laugh and a smile. It skewers political leaders, celebrities and sports people – no one is spared from its biting satire,” Ms Abboud said.
Whilst Peter Batey passed away in 2019, the ongoing administration of the prize was bestowed upon the Museum of the Riverina.
These irreverent, provocative, and highly-accessible caricatures of Australians who had been newsworthy during that year are now held permanently by the Museum of the Riverina. Peter was passionate about the arts and culture and that country people should never accept second best.
The Best of the Bald Archy Prize is a free exhibition and is located in the exhibition space of the museum at the WPCC.