Art Battle Manchester XXV at Aviva Studios
Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor
While not strictly an exhibition (although it does involve watching art come to life) Art Battle Manchester XXV at Aviva Studios is the next edition of the most dynamic and exciting art competition around.
Presented by Stockport’s brilliant GRIT studios, the competition sees 10 emerging artists compete for the crown during a 30-minute painting challenge, and if this wasn’t impressive enough, they’ll do it live in front of an audience. Art-making is rarely a public performance so this is a great opportunity to see paintings created in real time, in a fun and slightly feverish atmosphere as the artists rush to create the best piece. It’s not just traditional painters who will be taking part: illustrators, tattooists, and street artists will all be showing off their skills.
Art Battle MCR coincides with another immersive art event, the multimedia David Hockney exhibition Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away), which is an unmissable chance to see the master painter’s work on a gigantic scale.
Art Battle MCR is not a contemplative display, but one that highlights the excitement of seeing a painting take shape and directly involves the audience as the judges of the final winner.
John McCaulay, co-founder of Art Battle MCR, describes wanting to organise an art happening without the formal, alienating atmosphere that comes with the territory to appeal to a wider range of viewers. The whole event is more like a gig than a private view of an exhibition, creating a more communal experience for the audience.
There will, of course, be drinks and broadcaster and DJ, Hattie Pearson will host the event with live DJs soundtracking the art-making process.
Liven up your January and become both a spectator and judge in the 15th edition of Art Battle MCR this winter. The event always sells out so book now to avoid disappointment!
