Bald Archy Prize 2015

By Benjamen Judd

As much as the crew here at QT are big supporters of the arts we do think that sometimes, just sometimes, they can take themselves a little too seriously, Which is why exhibitions such as The Bald Archy Prize, taking place at Watsons Art Centre from February 6 until March 9.

Originally launched in 1994 in a small village outside Gundagai, by experienced arts administrator and successful theatre director, Peter Batey OAM, The Bald Archy began as part of an arts festival named the Coolac Festival of Fun, to avoid discrimination by those afraid of a cultural image.

Back then the event included everything from jazz, spoken word poetry and comedy performances, with the visual component operating as a direct spoof of the more revered and far more austere Archibald Prize.

Although created as something of a joke, the Bald Archy Prize has become an icon on the Australian art calendar (albeit an eccentric one), particularly because of the absurdist nature of the event, calling for irreverent comic and satirical images of well-known Australians.

We love the Bald Archy because it’s a reminder that art can be fun as well as serious, and that the best humour is the kind that makes us laugh at ourselves.

The Bald Archy will be held at Watsons Art Centre, with opening night on February 6. The show will run until March 9.