On Sept. 27, Art Battle took over at the Arts Court in downtown Ottawa. The live- painting competition was held in a dimly-lit theatre, with the canvases, the literal centrepieces of the room, basking under in bright lights. Painters were given 20 minutes to create a painting from scratch, and the artwork was then judged by the audience to decide the winners.
There were six canvases set up, one for each artist. The artists took their places, nervously waiting for the count-down.
“3,2,1 let’s paint!” the crowd yelled.
And then they were off, each artist attacking their canvas in their owna unique way. Some started off slowly, taking time to sketch out their piece, while, others threw paint on the canvas and flipped it around. The crowd started closing in on the artists, circling around the room at a steady, uniform pace, occasionally stopping to take pictures, or admire the artwork.
“It’s the world’s most friendly mosh pit,” organizer Peter Purdy said.
Each rotation around the room looked like a new world. What originally had been blobs of paint, in just 20 minutes, were transformed into a beautiful mermaid, a calming river landscape, or whimsical trees.
“The adrenaline rush is a healthy stress,” Kaya Comeau, a third-time Art Battle participant said. “The competition helps me make more art, instead of being afraid to make.”
“It’s a time to relax and have fun with it,” added Patrick St. Greene, an Art Battle veteran.
Art Battle started nine years ago in Toronto, but has since expanded nationally and internationally, according to Purdy. Art Battles are held in Ottawa on a monthly basis.
Purdy has been an Art Battle organizer in Ottawa for three years. For him, he said that the most rewarding part of his job is creating opportunities for young artists.
“I love finding these people and turning them into stars,” he said.
One of the most unique aspects of these events is that the winner is chosen by the audience. Each audience member is given a voting ballot with their ticket, which they place in a ballot box in front of their favourite piece of artwork.
Purdy said he is an advocate for audience voting.
“It cuts through the hypocrisy of judges . . . [the] beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” he said.
While Art Battle is technically a competition, this aspect is not the main focus of the event.
“Art Battles are about making connections, getting your name out there, and growing as an artist,” Comeau said.
Purdy said he shares this feeling.
“You’re really playing against yourself,” he said.
Photo by Rishi Sharma
