31 Jul 2021 Young Archie competition winners announced
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is delighted to announce the winners of the ninth annual Young Archie competition, a nation-wide portrait challenge encouraging children and young people to unleash their creativity.
Inspired by Australia’s oldest and most-loved portrait award, the Archibald Prize, which is celebrating 100 years in 2021, the Young Archie competition invites children and teenagers aged five to 18 to submit a portrait of someone who is special to them and plays a significant role in their life.
The 2021 Young Archie competition winners for each age category were announced during a special livestream presentation watched by finalists this morning. The winners are:
- 5–8 years category: Thevan Basnayake, 7, Winston Hills, NSW, for a self-portrait
- 9–12 years category: Luanda Lucia Perlstone Monroy, 9, Maroubra, NSW, for a portrait of her brother
- 13–15 years category: Jacqueline Qin, 15, Pymble, NSW, for a portrait of her sister
- 16–18 years category: Charliese Allen, 16, Sunshine West, VIC, for a portrait of her mother
More than 2100 entries from around Australia were received in the 2021 Young Archie competition, which were selected by guest judge, Sri Lankan born Sydney-based contemporary artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran, and Art Gallery of NSW family programs manager, Victoria Collings.
‘The Young Archie competition represents an energetic and diverse range of works from young people from around the country.
‘These artists are all special. They have used materials creatively, genuinely and fearlessly. I was looking for a special kind of fearlessness when selecting this year’s finalists. The winning works are valiant combined with emotion, humility, joy and observation,’ said Nithiyendran.
Part of the family program for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2021 exhibition at the Art Gallery, the Young Archie competition is exhibited alongside the three prizes.
Art Gallery of NSW deputy director and director of collections Maud Page said the Young Archie competition is a wonderful opportunity to support the next generation of artists.
‘The exhibition encourages young people from across Australia to explore their creativity, originality and self-expression, and it’s an absolute joy to see the breadth of entries this year! The Young Archie competition is inclusive and family-friendly that is a highlight on the annual calendar,’ said Page.
The Young Archie competition is proudly supported by presenting partner ANZ.
