Lauren Blunden Wins 2026 Young Archie for Ages 16–18

Lauren Blunden, a Sydney-based artist, has won the 16–18 year olds category of the 2026 Young Archie prize for her work 'Between'. The piece, executed in coloured pencil on paper (29.7 × 42cm), uses three overlapping figures to explore the transition into adulthood and the struggle with identity, passions, and pursuits. The Young Archie competition, a youth counterpart to the Archibald Prize, also awarded winners in other age groups: Viraj Tandon won the 13–15 year olds for 'Reflections', Hugo Hui won the 9–12 year olds for 'My family’s driver (Dad)', and Christian Pisarkiewicz won the 5–8 year olds for 'My daddy'. All winning entries are on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney until 16 August 2026. The prize is organized by the Art Gallery of New South Wales.