In years past, the satirical Bald Archy Prize has helped to synthesise the previous 12 months into a defining theme or moment.
The pandemic, bushfires and political stoushes have rotated through as flashpoints immortalised in humorous portraits.
But this year’s entries show it was a period of time in which multiple characters vied for the top spot of Australia’s most discussed and scrutinised.
Emperor Australis by Mark Davis is the winning entry in this year’s Bald Archy Prize. (Supplied: Museum of the Riverina)
The winning work this year was created by newcomer Mark Davis, with Emporer Australis — a painting that depicts Anthony Albanese astride a kangaroo — reflecting how he led Labor to a landslide victory at the most recent federal election.
But the painting — a re-imagining of Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David — competes for attention alongside other works depicting Barnaby Joyce and Pauline Hanson in a bubble bath, Erin Patterson surrounded by fungi, and Bob Irwin shirtless with a snake.
Poking fun at everyone
As the Liberal Party installs a new leader after weeks of speculation and infighting, Labor’s election win seems a very distant memory, even though it served as the catalyst for what is now playing out.
Mark Davis is the winner of the 2026 Bald Archy Prize. (ABC News: Niki Burnside)
The winning portrait of the prime minister appears both heroic and ridiculous, in keeping with the tradition of the prize.
Davis said he was inspired by the grandiose paintings found on the walls of Parliament House when he chose his subject.
“I wanted to capture him in a way that reflected our democracy, which I think is quite unique and worth holding onto,” he said.
“While Albo looks steely and confident, he’s brought back down to earth because, instead of sitting on a white stallion like Napoleon, he’s sitting on an eastern grey kangaroo that’s quite gangly and likely to throw him off at any moment,” Davis said.
A self-confessed politics tragic, Davis said he might look at new Liberal leader Angus Taylor for inspiration ahead of next year’s competition.
The Bald Archies, judged by a cockatoo named Maude — who remains elusive — is made up of satirical caricatures, with the exhibition not meant to be taken seriously.
But that has not stopped it from growing — this year saw the largest number of submissions yet at 70.
Museum of the Riverina manager Tim Kurylowicz said organisers had also seen an increase in the number of women represented in the exhibition, which was welcomed.
Tim Kurylowicz says there has been a record number of submissions to the Bald Archy Prize 2026. (ABC News: Niki Burnside)
“Nobody is safe from the Bald Archies’ watchful gaze, and that’s a good thing,” he said.
“[It’s] really great to see media personalities like Celeste Barber, Luke McGregor being featured here as well as sports stars and of course, politicians.”
Houston, We Have A Problem – Julia Davis. (Supplied: Museum of the Riverina)
Mr Kurylowicz said he believed the prize was even more vital in today’s climate of unrest across the world.
“I think that the Bald Archies stand as a reminder of what’s so precious and important about democracy,” he said.
“In a time when offence can be used as a way to silence people, people’s right to protest, to make good satire, to make political comment, these are freedoms that are actually really, really serious.”
“Protest” is the focus of a submission from Julia Davis, who portrays political leaders with long noses, as placards referencing antisemitism, climate change and anti-immigration sentiment wave in the background.
Cultural touchpoints
Fungal Rotters by Cindy Mortyn was chosen from among 70 submissions to the Bald Archy Prize 2026. (Supplied: Museum of the Riverina)
While the federal election was a key moment on the calendar, other stories competed with it for national interest.
The trial of Erin Patterson, who was convicted of murder and attempted murder, transfixed many as they heard the details of the fateful lunch she served, laced with toxic death cap mushrooms.
So it was fitting that a portrait of Patterson, showing her early in the saga when she spoke to reporters before her arrest, should grace the walls.
Another notable mention from the exhibition is Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, who appears more than once.
Perhaps Irwin caught the eye because he started to balance his role as conservationist and wildlife advocate with something else — a bit of the flair that his father also exuded.
Or perhaps it was the shirtless photo shoots.
Portraits of Robert Irwin are on display in this year’s Bald Archy Prize exhibition. (ABC News: Niki Burnside)
A shifting political spectrum
But the shifting sands of the political landscape remain prominent in the exhibition.
Muddy Waters (Come on in, the water’s fine) – Judy Nadin. (Supplied: Museum of the Riverina)
Last year, as the Liberals fell in and out with the Nationals, another alliance was brewing between Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce.
The portrait titled Muddy Waters (Come on in, the water’s fine) by Judy Nadin may have been painted based on the earlier antics of the duo, but they have since firmed things up even more with Mr Joyce joining One Nation.
Nadin also won the People’s Choice Award last year for her illustration of Nick Cave, showing she is an artist with her finger on the satirical pulse.
The Bald Archy is on display at the Watson Arts Centre in Canberra until March 15.