b'in the canArtists go head-to-head in fierce tournament Resenewhere the paintbrush is mightier than the sword. Umber WhiteT hese fierce fights may not come to blows,Frustratedwiththegatekeepingthatso but for onlookers surrounding a ring of amany face when trying to break into the scene, half dozen easels helmed by some of theNew Yorker Sean Bonos brilliant idea paved the countrys most talented artists, Art Battle is away for artists to come together on a far more nail-biter all the same. Since the idea was firsteven playing field. More than two decades later, conceivedin2001,morethan3000eventsArt Battle competitions continue to allow fresh havetakenplaceincitiesworldwide.Eachtalent to put their chops on display and have ArtBattlecompetitionputsthetalentsof12their work discovered. In a single season, a city incredible artists on display who spar their waymight see as many as 100 artists as competitors, through three suspenseful timed rounds of livewith fans and patrons gathering on a monthly painting. Up-and-coming amateurs go shoulder- basis to cheer them on.to-shoulder with seasoned veterans and winnersIn the same vein, Seans concept has made itabove: Before artist Liam Downes started organising Art Battle events in Auckland, he competed in a one-off are determined by an audience vote. From there,possible for organisers who are passionate aboutcharity event in Christchurch that raised funds to support Just Peoples. In the first round, he completed a championsprogressfromlocaltoregionaltotheir communities to take up the gauntlet, producepartial portrait of his wife. His winning painting in the final round, which featured half a chimp, was cheekily national tournaments before the best-of-the- events in their own cities and see how their skilfultitled Evolution of Wife. Both were painted with Resene testpots, and Liams winning piece inspired him to create best advance to the World Championships. locals stack up on the international stage. Once hean entire series of chimp paintings using Resene paints.blackwhitemag.com 43'