“I painted my sister Eva because she has a true sense of self and no-one can tell her how to think,” – 2017 Young Archie winner, 13-15 years category, Jessica Thompson

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is proud to announce the winners of the fifth annual Young Archie competition, which nurtures and celebrates the talent of budding young artists from around Australia.

In the spirit of the iconic Archibald Prize, the Young Archie competition invites children and teenagers aged five to 18 to unleash their creativity and submit a portrait of someone who is special to them and plays a significant role in their life.

This year, the popular competition received more than 2000 entries from across Australia – on par with entries into the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes – in four age categories: 5-8 years, 9-12 years, 13-15 years and 16-18 years.

The 2017 Young Archie competition winners for each age category are:

• 5-8 years category: Poppy Barnes, 8, from Carlton North, VIC for her self-portrait
• 9-12 years category: Claire Shin, 9, from Ermington, NSW for her portrait of her cousin
• 13-15 years category: Jessica Thompson, 14, from Frenchs Forest, NSW for her portrait of her sister
• 16-18 years category: Chantelle Que, 18, from Stanhope Gardens, NSW for her portrait of her mother

Entries were judged on merit and originality by Victoria Collings, Art Gallery of NSW community engagement manager, and guest judge Abdul Abdullah, a leading Australian artist and Archibald Prize finalist in 2016, 2014, 2013 and 2011, and Sulman Prize finalist in 2016.

“The winning portraits demonstrate outstanding technical skill, creativity and self-expression and offer a glimpse into the cherished relationships and perspectives of each young artist,” Abdullah said.

“The experience of judging the Young Archie competition has been extremely gratifying and has filled me with excitement for the next generation of Australian artists,” Abdullah added.

Part of the family program for the annual Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes exhibition (29 July – 22 October 2017), the Young Archie competition is a favourite on the Gallery’s calendar of events.

Michael Brand, director of the Art Gallery of NSW, said the Young Archie competition is part of the Gallery’s ongoing commitment to foster the creativity of children by providing inspiring opportunities for them and their families to think, create and play like an artist.

“It’s remarkable to watch the Young Archie competition ignite the creativity of gifted young people from across Australia, and see their expressive entries enjoyed by thousands of visitors to the annual Archibald Prize,” said Brand.

Finalists receive an art pack and an Archibald 17 catalogue and each age category winner is awarded a cash prize of $100 from ANZ, an art pack from S&S Creative and a family pass to a paid exhibition at the Gallery.

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

Fred Ohlsson, ANZ group executive Australia, said “Congratulations to the four winners of this year’s Young Archie competition. As presenting partner, ANZ is proud to support and nurture the next generation of Australian artists and we are delighted to continue our long history supporting the arts and community in New South Wales.”

Artworks with an honourable mention are displayed at the SH Ervin Gallery in the Rocks, alongside the Salon des Refusés 2017 exhibition and on the Art Gallery of NSW website.

Entries for the 2018 Young Archie competition will open 1 February 2018.

View all 2017 Young Archie finalists and honourable mentions