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- By Kerry Lee
Logan Moffat, an art teacher at Pukekohe High School, has been brushing up on his skills ahead of the recent Art Battle Auckland.
A global speed painting competition, Art Battle has been contested in more than 80 countries over the past 20 years.
Moffat, who won his first contest in 2023, sees it as a great way to build connections in the art world.
“It’s a cool way to meet new people,” he told the Times. “It builds connections with people that wouldn’t normally have access to art. It’s an entertaining way for them to participate and watch as it’s created.”
As this issue went to print, the Devonport Ferry Terminal was set to host a dozen artists competing in three 20-minute rounds, all hoping to impress the audience and bidders in a post-contest silent auction.
Liam Downes, Art Battle’s New Zealand producer says the Kiwi edition prioritises the audience and the artists.
“I was big on creating a more inclusive environment for art lovers. My number one priority was to make the battles free wherever possible, for the art experience to be more accessible – I’m pretty proud of that,” he says.
“As far as I know, we’re the only country where 100 per cent of the proceeds from the auction go to the artists.”
The Devonport event is the last regional battle in New Zealand before winners head to Eden Park for a grand final showdown in June.
Downes is also looking at hosting an Art Battle in the Franklin region in future.
