Art Battle was created in 2001 in New York City, with the first event on the Houston Street thoroughfare, where interested people poured in to watch six artists ‘throw down’ in black and white as they created an artwork, in one, quick, 90-minute round.
The environment for artists in New York at that time was one of stiff competition and many had ambitions of becoming the next art star – as exemplified by the likes of Warhol, Haring and Basquiat. At the same time, the gatekeepers of the art world held big power in determining who would be that next star.
“The environment in Johannesburg and other South African cities are similarly competitive and ambitious. Plus, there are even tougher social and economic barriers to success. Everyone deserves an opportunity to show their commitment to their dreams. Art Battle provides this and lets the people decide who deserves a chance at global recognition,” explains SL8 founder and CEO Mike Walker.
Art Battle Johannesburg is the first in a series that unfolds this year in Soweto; Pretoria, Durban; Bloemfontein; Hoedspruit; Potchefstroom; Port Elizabeth; Stellenbosch and Cape Town.
To sign up as an artist for the March 27 event in Johannesburg, visit www.artbattle.com/artists
If you’d like to attend the event as a spectator, book on Webtickets.
For more info about other Art Battle events in SA email az.oc.8ls@ekim.
