Sofya is a multidisciplinary artist and designer trained at Moscow’s prestigious Academic Art Lyceum, where she spent over seven years mastering classical painting, drawing, composition, and anatomy. Her work blends academic precision with expressive storytelling, combining traditional techniques with contemporary influences from design, photography, and creative advertising. Skilled in oil, acrylic, pencil, charcoal, watercolor, and digital media, Sofya seamlessly integrates analog and digital methods.

Hey Auckland!
I’m so exited to be painting for you tonight. Thanks for being here, and I hope you have an awesome night full of inspiration!

Yuri is a tattoo artist who specializes in graphic novel-style art, as well as dotwork and geometric designs. In addition to tattooing, she sells her artwork at Armageddons and creates prints for clothing and bags. Yuri also has five years of experience as a photographer and spent six years working as a ceramics specialist.

My name is Yuri, and I've been an artist for 10 years. From being a pottery specialist, an event photographer and a tattoo artist, I like to explore different mediums and styles of art. I can't wait to take part in Art Battle and share my work with you all! Thank you 🙂

Kirsten employs both traditional and digital media; painting, video art, animation, photography and design and held exhibitions in New Zealand and Australia after completing her Master of Arts from UNSW Art & Design in Sydney. The cricket painting was painted live over the period of the 3 day Publishers Cup on site at the Sydney Cricket Ground and then auctioned for the McGrath Foundation. The studies were done on site at a field research station in the desert. Kirsten was a finalist in the New Zealand Contemporary Art Prize with a short piece called, "Art project".

I've enjoyed painting en plein air and I love working with other people. I've been inspired by the show Arts Portrait Artist of the Year and Arts Landscape Artist of the Year, in which they have 4 hours to paint competitively against a small group of artists.

Mike is a returning Auckland Art Battler and an accomplished multi-disciplinary artist. He displays expertise across pencil, pen and ink, gouache, paint and digital media. From comic art, to fine art, to Co Century art for indi games, Mike has dabbled in it all. Expect a mix of pop culture, robots or monsters!

I like painting with a time limit, and I'm naturally quite fast anyway, so it's in my wheelhouse to try and achieve something of high quality in a small amount of time.

World champion bodypaint artist and Season 2 crowd favourite Yolanda is back! Yolanda transitions her body art styles and make-overs in her static canvas work, embracing the commercial tools and her experience with bodypainting, special Fx, props, murals, sculpting and make up.

I have competed loads of times in my bodyart career and love the energy of creative competition.

Joel has both competed and featured as a Spotlight Artist across the last Art Battle 2 seasons. His works meld ‘classic meets urban’ style with social commentary and internal monologue. He is a self-taught, full-time artist. His imaginative and versatile work ranges from comic art to realistic pieces, covering everything from paper to murals. He employs brushes, paint, pencils, and pens in his artistic process - and is back for a crack at Art Battle Auckland CBD!

Fastest brush in the west!

Anastasia returns to Battle after impressing in her first competitive show last year, purposely embracing the unfinished elements and inviting viewers to use their imagination. Anastasia is a Siberian artist living in Auckland. Having trained as an architect and urban designer, Anastasia is deeply passionate about cities, a passion reflected in her sketches of urban life; roofs, façades, streets, and more. Although she has been drawing her entire life, this is her first time sharing her work publicly.

Hi everyone! Super excited to jump into my second Art Battle! I usually sketch city details I spot during walks (architect habits), but I’m ready to challenge myself and dive into painting. Can’t wait to see how it goes!

Oliver returns as a 2025 Art Battle Grand Finalist and a multi-disciplinary artist, who works predominantly in digital art and watercolour. Oliver’s longstanding passion and appreciation for birds coupled with quick strokes and a vibrant palette are a treat for the eyes.

I am sure you will have a great night and give all the artists lots of support.

Aaran will be bringing his energetic Graffiti style to the Battle, with a hint of sarcasm, Disney and attitude. Skilled across drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media and photography, Aaran’s preferred mediums include posca, acrylic and spray paint on wood and skate decks, cardboard and paper.

I like to tell my story through artistic expression

Shafins’ canvases are a vibrant counterpoint to the structured worlds she navigates. Since 2011, amidst the whirlwind of raising five sons and a demanding Pharmaceutical career, Shafin has found solace and inspiration in painting. Travel, motherhood, and the relentless rhythm of life itself fuels her artistic vision. Inspired by the masters; Sargent, Velasquez, Renoir.. Shafin creates paintings that pulsate with movement and emotion. Her bold, almost impressionistic style captures fleeting moments, imbuing them with a palpable energy.

For me painting isn’t merely a creative outlet; it’s a profound act of self-discovery, a source of deep gratitude, and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. I look forwards to getting out of my comfort zone.