Secret Walls is revolutionizing the art world with its exhilarating live paint battles that captivate audiences and showcase the extraordinary talent of artists from around the globe. This one-of-a-kind event brings together creativity, competition, and community in a high-energy showdown that leaves audiences awestruck. With events held worldwide, Secret Walls has become a global phenomenon, attracting established and emerging artists alike. It provides a platform for diverse talents to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and connect with a vibrant community of art enthusiasts.
Here is our Q&A with Founder Terry Guy.
Q: Where and why did the original idea for Secret Walls arise?
A: The idea for Secret Walls came from a desire to create a platform where artists could showcase their talents in a dynamic and competitive environment. I was inspired by the underground art and graffiti scenes, where artists would push their creative limits in front of live audiences. I wanted to bring that energy and excitement into a more structured format, giving artists a stage to shine and audiences a unique, interactive experience. As I built the concept out 18 years ago back in London, England, we were heavily inspired by movies Fight Club, Warriors, Marvel comics and live sports. The idea was only ever meant to be a fun pop up experience but quite quickly we found ourselves attracting large crowds, sponsors and touring the globe.
Q: What is the meaning of the name Secret Walls?
A: The name “Secret Walls” reflects the origins of our events, which were initially held in hidden or unconventional venues, reminiscent of the clandestine nature of street art and graffiti. “Walls” symbolize the canvases our artists use, turning blank spaces into works of art. The “Secret” aspect adds an element of mystery and exclusivity, drawing people into the excitement of discovering something new and unexpected. When we started out, social media was just getting going with Myspace, so most of our marketing was guerrilla word of mouth + wild posters.
Q: What are some of the most memorable paint battles?
A: Over the years, we’ve had numerous memorable battles. One standout was the epic EUROLEAGUE tournament we hosted 13 years ago, which drew an enormous crowd and saw incredible artistic performances with 30+ shows across 10+ cities in Europe. Another unforgettable moment was the more recent SYLA (Support Your Local Artist) N. American bus tour in 2022, where we drove 15,000 miles over 60 days and battled in 25+ cities… This was just after everything opened back up from the pandemic and the love and support from fans and artist communities was another level.
Q: What kind of educational workshops do you offer to artists?
A: Through the Secret Walls Academy program , we offer a variety of educational workshops aimed at nurturing emerging talent and helping artists develop their skills. These include technical workshops on different art techniques, sessions on the business side of being an artist, and creative development workshops that encourage experimentation and innovation. Our goal is to support artists early in their careers and help them build a sustainable practice. Last year we teamed up with POSCA to host a week of experiences where everyone was welcome to come draw with us and it has inspired us to think even bigger for some ideas we have planned in 2024 and beyond. Watch this space for announcements soon.
A Secret Walls Battle in Los Angeles, CA, at the launch party for Street Fighter 6 (Credit Jaime Guerrero)
Q: Do you ever get famous artists involved?
A: Yes, we often have renowned artists — Ron English, Tristan Eaton, Jon Burgerman, Robin Eisenberg, Swopes, Blake Kathryn, Buff Monster to name a few. Their involvement not only adds prestige to our battles but also provides an opportunity for up-and-coming artists to learn from the best in the industry. Having famous artists engage in our battles creates a bridge between different levels of the art world and inspires all participants to elevate their game.
Q: Do you incorporate other types of creatives?
A: Absolutely. While our primary focus is on visual artists, we believe in the power of collaboration across different creative fields. We frequently incorporate musicians, DJs, B Boys and performers into our events to create a multi-sensory experience. Additionally, we work with designers, animators, filmmakers and other creatives to document and enhance our battles, ensuring that each event is a comprehensive celebration of artistic expression.
Please follow us on socials @SecretWalls.
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