Secret Walls: The Art of Competition
The Art of Competition challenges artists to turn simplicity into extraordinary works of art.
Photography by Owen Braley
There’s nothing better than watching an exhilarating game show competition and rooting for your favorite person or team. However, there is a better. Imagine the competition coming to life and attending a captivating art battle between extraordinary artists from around the globe.
Secret Walls is an immersive live art experience that curates these events worldwide. They attract both established and emerging artists to compete in a brilliant paint competition to create magic on a blank wall in front of an audience. With a time limit of 90 minutes and nothing but black paint, The Art of Competition challenges artists to turn simplicity into extraordinary works of art. In addition to showcasing their incredible talent, these events also provide the artists with a space to gain recognition and network with a community of like-minded talents, art enthusiasts, and experts in different cities.
1202 MAGAZINE spoke with Kevin Collins, CEO and founder of Secret Walls, on his vision, inspirations, and how he brought the concept of competitive art to life. “It started as a platform for artists to come together and battle it out on blank canvases, bringing a competitive edge and an adrenaline-fueled vibe to the world of live art,” he says. “The vision came to life from a simple idea: to create a space where artists could showcase their skills in real-time, on big stages, in front of live audiences, and where the energy of street art could mix with the excitement of a live competition. It’s a celebration of creativity, where the community and artists can connect through art in a really raw and unfiltered way.”
Continue reading the full interview below with Collins to learn more about Secret Walls and The Art of Competition.
Photography (Left to Right) by Ja Tecson, Illogical Truths, Owen Braley, Terry Guy, Finn Peterson
What is Secret Walls, and how did the vision come to life?
Secret Walls started as a platform for artists to come together and battle it out on blank canvases, bringing a competitive edge and an adrenaline-fueled vibe to the world of live art. The vision came to life from a simple idea: to create a space where artists could showcase their skills in real-time, on big stages, in front of live audiences, and where the energy of street art could mix with the excitement of a live competition. It’s a celebration of creativity where the community and artists can connect through art in a really raw and unfiltered way.
What is the Art of Competition, and what inspired you to create this concept?
The Art of Competition is a series of live art battles that bring the competitive spirit of sports to the art world. This concept came from wanting to amplify the energy and engagement that happens when artists are given a stage, an audience, and just 90 minutes to go all out on a large mural. We wanted to inspire artists to push their boundaries, and we loved the idea of bringing that thrilling, unpredictable aspect to art.
How did you choose the cities that are included in the tour?
We chose cities that have strong art communities and a love for creativity, cities that understand and appreciate the vibe and style we bring. It’s all about tapping into places where street art is already a big part of the culture or where we see a growing interest in it. We look for places that have that underground energy and want to showcase the local scene alongside the best global creative talent.
What has been the outcome of giving artists and teams 90 minutes to complete a large mural?
Giving artists just 90 minutes really pushes them to make bold choices, to work fast, and to collaborate in ways they might not in a studio setting. The result is an explosive amount of creativity packed into one session. It’s an intense experience for both the artists and the audience, and it leads to really dynamic and raw pieces of art. Each battle leaves behind a powerful visual story.
In addition to the paint battles, what else are Secret Walls and The Art of Competition doing to actively engage the art community and provide resources and guidance?
We’re always about more than just the battles. We’ve got workshops, artist panels, mentorship sessions, and collaborations with brands to create long-term opportunities for artists. By bringing our universe to new places, we’re also introducing ourselves to new networks and, hopefully, giving them access to tools and audiences that can help elevate their careers.
How is Secret Walls normalizing an art form that has been criminalized for decades?
Secret Walls builds stages and makes spaces. We work with artists from all backgrounds, many of whom started on the streets, and we’re showing people that street art can be powerful, beautiful, and experienced in new ways. We do our best to ensure that the culture continues to grow, explore new ways to enjoy and experience these amazing talents, and bring the global art community with us.
How will you continue to embrace graffiti, murals, and wall art in the future?
Our goals are to expand this global community and open even more doors for artists, especially in places where street art still isn’t widely accepted. We want to keep adding cities to our tours, introduce more educational programs for aspiring artists, and work with local organizations to create permanent space for the arts. We’re also aiming to push the boundaries on how people experience contemporary art, whether through new digital platforms, immersive experiences, or collaborative projects.
