Connor is a self-taught artist who directs films, photographs band tours worldwide, and paints. People are central to his art, as he seeks to connect with their lives. While he’s most experienced in photography and film, painting is a medium he feels deeply connected to.

Taz is an acrylic and oil painter, as well as a tattoo artist. She has been painting on canvas since she was 6 and has been selling her work professionally since she was 11. After recently moving to New Zealand, Taz developed a passion for surrealist painting and began working with oil paints. She considers herself a traditional artist.

Hi I’m Taz! I’m a twenty year old acrylic, oil painter and tattoo artist. I’ve been canvas painting since 6 years old and selling my professionally since 11 years old.

Te Awanui A Rangi is an aspiring animator and illustrator from Kaikohe, now studying animation and Māori media at AUT in Auckland. With 10 years of experience, she specializes in book/graphic novel illustration, book covers, splash art, and graphic design. Her work is inspired by fantasy and Māori mythology, and she enjoys experimenting with mixed media.

Kia Ora!! My name is Te Awanui A Rangi, I’m an aspiring animator, illustrator, and I currently study animation and maori media! I am so excited to have the oppertunity to be in art battle, thanks for having me! I hope you all like what I have to create!

Sheelagh was raised surrounded by influential New Zealand artists and developed a deep love for art from a young age. However, as a young mom raising a daughter with special needs, art took a backseat for two decades. In 2022, Sheelagh decided to make art a priority once again. Since then, she has steadily gained recognition and is now living her dream as a respected and in-demand artist.

Super excited to be part of this event again! I got through to the final round last time, let's see if I can take this out!

Christian has been a full-time artist since 2006. Every year, Christian presents a solo painting exhibition, with each show often reflecting personal history in a way that resonates with others. In addition to his solo work, Christian creates expressive landscapes that have been featured in several book publications. His diverse skill set spans painting, photography, screen printing, printmaking, sculpture, installation, and film.

lets go!

Sam is looking forward to returning to the Art Battle Auckland stage. Inspired by spiritual and esoteric themes, Sam celebrates the idea that all the great art of history was created in order to come closer to the unseen reality. Sam primarily uses oil paint and spray paint - although you will often find him adding UV, for extra effect with a focus on sacred geometry and geometric patterns.

I am looking forward to competing again. It is such a fun challenge and always awesome to meet other artists, and to paint in front of a crowd.

Odette is a multidisciplinary artist graduating from art school in May. Primarily a painter, she also experiments with various mediums, including JavaScript code and digital technologies. Inspired by mythical imagery and historical art, Odette enjoys surrealist themes and portraiture but thrives on pushing artistic boundaries. She has created works using projections, fingerpainting, and even suspended canvases with paint.

To me, art is born from chaos—from messy ideas, unpredictable movements, and moments of risk. In this art battle we’re taking chances, embracing the mess and transforming raw energy into something real. Watch as we turn chaos into beauty.

Jerome's art is a fusion of nature and street style, highlighting the contrast between man-made creations and those of Mother Earth. He encourages viewers to keep an open mind, allowing their personal interpretation, as all perspectives are valid. Jerome believes that perception is a reflection of how we see ourselves and the world around us. His work spans murals, painting, spray paint, and graffiti markers.

Hey everyone I’m Jerome van Rijn born and raised in Auckland New Zealand.

The imagery that my work depicts, has been carefully curated and developed to highlight growth through the medium of the flower.

The flowers fully blossomed form is a metaphor for one’s self in the hope that we all get the chance to become the best versions of our self’s. The river which the flower floats on resembles the flow of life and that we must all feel the flow of the river and enjoy the journey.

Enjoy the art battle please don’t hesitate to come and chat on the night and enjoy the good vibes and artworks being created.

Kelly, also known as Mountain Duck, started out writing graffiti on the streets of Auckland, which eventually led him to create classic-style animated cartoons for Disney and the local show Brotown. His current artwork is a blend of all the influences and styles he's explored, which he describes as "mash-up surrealist psychedelic cartoon graffiti."

Love coming together for art battle and the buzz that each creative brings on the night. This time round Im trying a slightly new flow to roll out in the twenty minutes … expect all sorts of mediums , materials , gestural mayhem and a process driven approach from me this year.

Will be little but street, a little bit abstract, 100% original, and hope to put a smile on few faces.

Jo(e) moved up to Tāmaki-makau-rau to join in the big smoke. Stumbled into a life drawing class and have been developing their style since then. They've what they have developed so far is "colourful and a little ugly".

This will be so much fun! Let's get painting!