Tim Patch, the artist who calls himself "Pricasso." - Photo courtesy Pricasso.com image:37611:0::0

Tim Patch, the artist who calls himself "Pricasso", has submitted one of his broad-stroke paintings to the Art Gallery of New South Wales for entry into Australia's most extraordinary event for portrait painting, the Archibald Prize. The Archibald Prize is described as being of Australia's oldest and most prestigious art awards.

A rather prophetic quote from the Archibald Prize 07 site:

The Archibald Prize, from its outset, has aroused controversy while chronicling the changing face of Australian society. Numerous legal battles and much debate have focused on the evolving definitions of portraiture. It has become one of the most popular annual art exhibitions in Australia.

The Art Gallery expects over 700 portraits to be submitted for consideration of the '08 prize. The short list of artists selected to vie for the prize will be announced on Thursday, February 28th and the ultimate winner will be announced on March 7th, 2008.

To paint his portraits, Pricasso utilizes a totally unique painting style ... he draws with his penis. However, on occasion he says that his main tool needs a rest and "I had to use my bum to paint the background".

Pricasso's website, entitled "Penile Art" by Pricasso makes the following statement:

There are Millions of Artists in the World, but only one who paints with his Penis

Pricasso will be, I'm sure, anxiously awaiting to hear if his entry gets "short listed" on Thursday. Incidentally, you can find him in Brisbane that day, plying his trade at Sexpo Australia, booth 19 if you're really interested.