One of the finalists in this years Archibald Prize awards.
It’s the time of year for Australia’s most irreverent art exhibition, and the only art prize in the world to be judged by a sulphur crested cockatoo called Maude.
Yes, the 19th annual Bald Archy winner has been announced and the winner and finalists are on their regional tour of ten NSW towns of which Grenfell is one.
Although created as something of a joke, the Bald Archy Prize has become an icon on the Australian art calendar, because of the absurd nature of the event, calling for humorous images of well-known Australians.
The awards, which spoofs the Archibald Prize, this year features 42 finalists, with subjects ranging from country music singer Keith Urban, racehorse Black Caviar and Ita Buttrose. Interestingly, as predicted by the festival’s founder Peter Batey, the Bald Archys seem to be embraced by country audiences whom he believes feel safe with the instant recognition as well as the larrikin mockery doled out to the well know Australians.
The $7500 winner-take-all prize has been taken, this year by Allie Campbell, from the Blue Mountains whose entry was a caricature of Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott in bedpans entitled A Fitting Frame No. 1 and A Fitting Frame No. 2. No. 1 features a portrait of the PM; No. 2, her arch nemesis.
Each year’s Bald Archy tour is decided by ballot, with there being more requests for the exhibition than are possible to accommodate in the time available.
This is the second year in a row that Grenfell has been successful in hosting the exhibition- testament to the quality of the Grenfell Art Gallery and the volunteer staff who run the Gallery.
Bald Archy founder Peter Batey will be in Grenfell for the exhibition opening.
The cocktail party will commence at 7pm on September 6th at the Grenfell Art Gallery in Main Street.
An open invitation is extended to all to attend this fun event. Tickets can be purchased for $8 each at the Grenfell Art Gallery.
The Bald Archy exhibition will be open to the public from 7th September to 6th October 2012 from 10am to 4pm daily.
Entry fee is $4 per person.
Further information is available by contact the Grenfell Art Gallery on 026343 1864 or Grenfell Tourist Officer on 0263432855.
