Laughter, Loo Rolls, and Leadership: Holbrook’s Bronwyn Berg on her bald archy entry

The notorious Bald Archy Prize – Australia’s premier celebration of irreverence, satirical art, and larrikin humour – is officially packing up after a fantastic run at Holbrook. But fear not, lovers of a good laugh: the national touring exhibition is heading to its next destination! Art enthusiasts and comedy fans can catch the hilarious display at Corowa Art Space from Saturday 12 September to Sunday 11 October 2026.

To mark the conclusion of the Holbrook showcase, we caught up with local artist Bronwyn Berg, whose witty painting The Porcelain Bench earned a prestigious Highly Commended recognition in what was a landmark 30th-anniversary year for the national competition.

Finding the Funny in Australian Politics

“For Porcelain Bench, my initial tasks were to set the scene – being the toilet cubicles – get my subjects somewhat recognisable, then work the funny stuff around that,” Bronwyn explains. “I had a whole list of scenarios on paper, but it was mostly throughout the work that I added all the finer details, like changing the wording on each door lock or personalising them in what they may represent.”

From Anthony Albanese in a notorious Hawaiian shirt to Pauline Hanson’s Aussie knickers and Barnaby Joyce’s famous Ariat boots, every detail carries a backstory:

“Looking at each politician’s previous 12 months, I was able to learn that Anthony Albanese had two media moments of scrutiny over his less-than-accepted shirts. How could I not dress him in that Hawaiian shirt? Drawing the line between cheeky and insightful, I wanted to share the backstory of why Barnaby Joyce wore those Ariat boots in Parliament – I also heard that he enjoys a good red. With Hanson and Ley, I wanted to convey a lighthearted correlation between the grasping of the loo paper to that of Ley’s political shortfall, and let’s face it, it might have been un-Australian had we not had the Aussie knickers around Pauline’s ankles!”

Building directly on her experience from last year’s Raygun’s Skip to the Louvre, Bronwyn set out with a clear goal for 2026.

“I was pleasantly surprised when someone sent me a photo from the opening event,” Bronwyn recalls about finding out her work was Highly Commended. “It was pleasing to know that I had raised the bar from last year’s entry, which is what I set out to do.”

From Toilet Rolls on Norfolk Island to National Acclaim

A self-taught artist, 2GHR radio presenter, and sole parent, Bronwyn’s path to satirical art stems from a lifelong habit of observing and entertaining those around her.

“As a creative child, I used artistic imagination to amuse myself,” she says, recalling making tiny cardboard cutouts instead of playing with dolls. “Throughout my growing up, I was often asked to draw caricatures of family or friends at gatherings. A fond memory that stands out was living on Norfolk Island, sitting around the kitchen table with a full crew, being handed a toilet roll and a pen. The best part was the air being filled with laughter on the receiving end! Moments like that have always encouraged me to continue dabbling in comical sketches.”

Since stepping onto the Bald Archy circuit with Raygun’s Skip to the Louvre in 2025, Bronwyn feels she has truly found her niche in satirical painting. Despite painting high-profile figures, her goal remains affectionate rather than malicious.

“Being an observer allows me to keep a level-headed view… Satirical art may not be as flattering, but it provokes thought on how a character is perceived. Despite putting them at the end of my paintbrush, I too need to be able to laugh at myself. I try to keep it playful and hope they might see the funny side.”

What’s Next for Bronwyn?

Between her radio show, community art groups, and family commitments, Bronwyn is already planning her next creative moves.

“I won’t give away too much, but it has inspired me to continue doing something on a similar line,” she teases. She’s currently preparing an artist residency, restoring an outdoor studio space, and gearing up for next year’s Bald Archy. Down the track, she hopes to explore sculpture, miniature art, and installation pieces.

You can follow Bronwyn’s creative journey on Instagram at @bronwynbergart.

Next Stop: Corowa Art Space!

If you missed seeing The Porcelain Bench in Holbrook, you can catch the touring exhibition in Corowa soon!

Running from 12 September to 11 October 2026 at the Corowa Art Space, the Bald Archy Prize features the $10,000 national winning piece Emperor Australis by Mark Davis, along with works by local finalist Michael Mack and a gallery full of familiar Australian faces.