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N E W S :
Art Battle Auckland 2024
Rockit Art & Events are proud to add the world's biggest LIVE painting tournament to their arts potfolio. Over 70 artists competed at the heats at Wynyard Pavillion and the Māngere Arts Centre through 2023-24. The season 2 finale is underway and will once again end with the Grand Final at Eden Park - 23rd May 2025.
- more here for Art Battle events, or register your interest to compete. PM Liam for more info.
Resident Artist Eden Park
Liam will be continuing to creatively document events LIVE at Eden Park. From Ed Sheeran to the All Blacks, the Womens Soccer World Cup to Pink in concert - watch this space. The collection will be hung for viewing as part of the stadium tour via edenpark.co.nz/experiences, shared and available for purchase through the online store: edenpark.co.nz/shop
- you can view Liam's Eden Park paintings to date here
Meet the Artists @ Art in the City & Late Night Art
Meet the Artists (MTA) is a vibrant, live painting pop up gallery and workshop initiative based in the heart of Auckland. We are a diverse collective of talented Auckland creatives working together in an open studio environment. The MTA collective offer the public a chance to witness art in action, engage with artists and even participate in the creative process. COMING SOON - ArtWeek in the City & Late Night Art.
- more here
Liam's last national exhibition - The Auckland Art Show
The Auckland Art Show @ The Viaduct Events Centre - July 2024
- more here
Open Studios Waitakere
Liam was once again on-hand to welcome visitors to his studio. Meet The Artist: painting LIVE, original art exhib + limited edition prints for sale.
- more here
NZ Art Lounge closed
Howick, Auckland - sad but true - fb link here
& the Christchurch Art Battle Champion is...
Liam Downes - where it all began (see below)
Christchurch Art Battle 2022
13 artists competed at the Cristchurch Town Hall for the coveted title of Art Battle Champion 2022. The live speed painting event has become something of a phenomenon on the international art calendar.
After 2 rounds 4 artists made it to a grand final, where the audience decided on the overall winner. Liam was excited to take out first prize, with his cheeky 'half chimp' piece, following a 'half portrait' of his wife Tammy in the first round... don't ask!
All the work was auctioned for Just Peoples charity, in support of global famine. The event reached its target to support 50 Ugandan farmers to improve their yield, to ensure their communities have enough to eat, while constructing a clean and safe water source to serve 2000 refugees and Ugandan locals.
Liam loved the event so much he is now the NZ producer - Rockit Art & Events is now responsible for bringing the Art Battle to Auckland.. and the world stage. With 6 heats at Wynyard Pavilion and the Grand Final at Eden Park New Zealand is now a part of the Art Battle world series. A genuine opportiunity for creatives all over NZ ... exciting times ahead!
Whether creator or art lover, if you would like to get involved get in touch with Liam. Check out artbattle.com for more info.
2021 & 2022: Art In The Park
Liam was excited to be one of the 100 established artists invited to the inaugural Art In The Park event at Eden Park stadium in Auckland, and again in September this year. He created a collection of new works unveiled for the first time at bot shows.
The event was a HUGE success and has quickly become a 'must do' on the NZ art calendar; creativity in abundance at such an amazing and iconic venue. Super proud to part of NZ history!
Liam will not be exhibiting in 2023 but hopes to be back at the Park for 2024.
Beijing International Art Biannale
from Titirangi to China . . . with love
Liam was invited to represent NZ at the 8th Beijing International Art Biennale (BIAB) at the National Art Museum of China. The multi-cultural exhibition then toured across China, before being cancelled post pandemic.
With a theme of "A colorful world and a shared future", New Zealand are 1 of the 6 featured countries. The show covers paintings, prints, watercolors, sketches, sculptures, installations, images and videos.
Liam was invited to include 2 featured paint works of contrasting themes:
'RANGITOTO SUNRISE' & 'CASH COW'
OPEN STUDIOS WAITAKERE
Studio visit & live demonstrations
Liam is a regular participant of the Open Studios Waitakere art tour. The Open Studio event is held annually in November. Liam and Tammy invite you to join them for a scone and tea, explore their kauri garden, get creative with a shared canvas and check out Liam's artwork, and to talk about his inspirations, techniques and passion for making marks. Liam and Tammy are based in Laingholm, nr Titirangi. Studio and art classes are available year round by appointment.
Previous interviews and pics can be viewed here :
Express yourself - by Liam Downes
Life is about the moment. We are free to express ourselves. Making our mark helps us to find our place within the moment. The trick is to stay there.
Liam studied at the London Institute and Brighton College of Art and Design in the UK. He packed his paint brush and moved to New Zealand in 2001, wasting no time exhibiting his new works across Auckland. He continues to find inspiration around most corners of New Zealand, Auckland becoming his spiritual home; ‘The clash of mother nature and feats of man-made engineering - Rangitoto sleeps as the Sky Tower looms.' Liam's commentary through opposing land and city scapes dominate; figure painting 'just for the love of it' and throw in the odd statement for good measure. He draws some influence from a background in graphics and typography, generally embracing the battle between structure and abandon.
Liam enjoyed his first 3 years on the idyllic island of Waiheke before experiencing city life under the imposing watch of the Sky Tower. He escaped its clutches and now surrounds himself with giant kauri in his idyllic garden studio in Laingholm, nr Titirangi - and 'wouldn't swap it for the world.’
Limited edition prints available for selected works.
Call Liam on +64 224 743 404
In NZ you can also find Liams’ works at:
Art by the Sea Gallery in Takapuna, Auckland
The Art Shop Gallery in CBD, Christchurch (closing soon)
The Art Lounge Gallery in Howick, Auckland (closing soon)
The Auckland International Gallery in Epsom, Auckland
Singulart online gallery / global representation
Saatchiart online gallery / global representation
GALLERY
CLICK HERE
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