SYDNEY.- From a five-year-old’s evocative portrait of his father to a teenager’s exploration of identity and adulthood, the winners of the Young Archie 2026 competition reveal the depth, honesty and imagination of young artists across Australia. Intimate depictions of family life, capturing moments of everyday care, sit alongside thoughtful reflections on dual identities and the complexities of growing up, offering visitors a moving and heartwarming glimpse into the lives, relationships and inner worlds of a new generation of artists.

Now in its 14th year, the annual Young Archie competition is a national portrait challenge for young artists inspired by Australia’s oldest and most famous portrait prize, the Archibald Prize. The competition invites young people between the ages of 5 and 18 to submit a portrait of someone who is special to them.

The Young Archie 2026 competition winners across each age category were announced this morning during a special ceremony for finalists and their families at the Art Gallery. The winners are:

• 5–8 years category: Christian Pisarkiewicz, 5, Greystanes, NSW, for his portrait of his dad

• 9–12 years category: Hugo Hui, 9, Helensvale QLD, for his portrait of his dad

• 13–15 years category: Viraj Tandon, Longueville, NSW, for his portrait of his brother

• 16–18 years category: Lauren Blunden, 18, North Kellyville, NSW for her self-portrait

The winning artworks were selected from more than 4300 entries – a record for the competition – by artist and guest judge Jumaadi and Art Gallery of New South Wales Family Programs Manager Victoria Collings. Together, they selected 70 finalists for display at the Art Gallery across the four age categories.





Jumaadi said: ‘It’s incredibly inspiring to see a growing number of young people stepping forward to share their creativity through the Young Archie competition. I applaud all this year’s entrants for their exceptional artworks, which were full of imagination, courage and a depth of feeling well beyond their years. It gives me great hope to witness the next generation of artists at work.’

A highlight of the Art Gallery’s annual exhibition program, the Young Archie competition was launched in 2013 as an opportunity for young people to engage with portraiture and have their work exhibited alongside the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes exhibition.

Art Gallery of New South Wales Director of Collections and Exhibitions Wayne Tunnicliffe congratulated all winners and finalists on the originality and courage they showed in expressing themselves through portraiture.

‘At the Art Gallery, we are passionate about nurturing imagination in young people, and the Young Archie competition is a wonderful example of the many ways this comes to life. Supporting artistic expression at every stage is central to what we do. By presenting these remarkable works in one of our most visited spaces, we create a welcoming atmosphere where young artists are celebrated and visitors of all ages and backgrounds can feel a genuine sense of belonging,’ said Tunnicliffe.

The Young Archie competition is proudly supported by presenting partner ANZ.

ANZ Group Executive, Institutional, Mark Whelan said: ‘Congratulations to the four winners of the Young Archie 2026 competition, who have been selected from thousands of entries and recognised for their exceptional creativity. As the presenting partner since the competition’s inception, ANZ is proud to champion Australia’s budding artists and celebrate this esteemed prize for the 14th consecutive year.’

Each of the four winners receives a $200 cash prize from ANZ, an art hamper, a family pass to a ticketed exhibition at the Art Gallery and an Archibald Prize 2026 catalogue. All other finalists receive a $50 cash prize from ANZ, an art pack and an Archibald Prize 2026 catalogue.

All Young Archie 2026 competition winner and finalist works are on display in the John Kaldor Family Hall on the ground floor of the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ Naala Nura building, in conjunction with the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2026 exhibition until Sunday 16 August 2026.

These works are also displayed on the Art Gallery website as part of the prizes archive, along with all Young Archie winners, finalists and honourable mentions since 2013.