Paint, pressure and pandemonium: Artfight explodes onto the Ipswich arts scene
PAINT flew, clocks ticked and the crowd leaned in last weekend as Artfight burst to life at the historic old Taff building – now home to Stony Creek Brewing Co.
Hosted by ARTTIME Supplies, the first round of the high-energy live art competition transformed the brewery into a creative battleground, where artists raced against the clock, the canvas – and each other.
Artfight is the brainchild of Ipswich creative Cassie Booth, and the rules are delightfully brutal.
Artists arrive with no idea what they’ll be painting, only to be hit with a surprise theme on the day. As if that’s not enough, the audience then randomly selects unexpected objects that must be included in each artwork.
The result is fast, frantic and wildly entertaining – a lowbrow, high-energy arts experience that’s as stressful for the artists as it is exciting for the crowd.
Round 1 saw artists Glen, Carole, Michelle and Penny thrown into three separate challenges. Penny struck first, taking out the Quick Draw challenge, before Glen fired back with a fan-favourite Punk Duck portrait to win the second round. Glen then capped off a dominant night by claiming the final canvas, earning the overall Round 1 win.
His prize? $100 cash and a gift pack from Liquitex – plus the all-important bragging rights.
But Artfight isn’t just about what happens on the easels.
Ms Booth kept the audience firmly in the action with crafty table-versus-table challenges, trivia battles and the chaotic spin of the “Wheel of Chaos”, ensuring the night was as interactive as it was creative.
There are 12 artists competing across four rounds this year, with each round winner advancing to the Championship Round in October.
The final prize includes the coveted Artfight Championship Trophy and a massive $1000 Liquitex Art Pack. Glen is the first artist to lock in his place in the grand final.
Round 2 is set for April 19, and artists keen to test their nerves – or art lovers wanting to find out more – can contact Cassie at arttimeipswich@gmail.com. Entry is free, and all art supplies are provided.
Artfight is shaping up as a fun, fearless and downright unpredictable arts event.
