Interview Directory 

ART

Name: Secret Walls

Residence: Los Angeles

A Secret Walls battle taking place across the entire wall of a building at BLINK Festival in Cincinnati,

OH in 2022 Credit_ Finn Peterson

Can you describe what Secret Walls is and how it started?

Secret Walls is the world's premier live art competition, where artists and illustrators compete against each other in timed, high energy events. It started in 2006 at a small East London bar, born out of a desire to showcase the talents of artists in a format similar to a DJ or MC battle. The concept was simple with two teams of artists, blank canvases, black paint, and a time limit—no room for mistakes or erasing. The audience, along with a panel of judges, chooses the winner. What began as a grassroots experiment has grown into a global art movement.

“We’ve also worked hard to build a platform that amplifies the voices of our artists, creating meaningful opportunities for them beyond the battles.“

How has Secret Walls evolved since its inception in 2006?

Over the years, Secret Walls has evolved from underground battles in bars to large scale, international events. We’ve partnered with major brands, expanded our format to include digital battles, and introduced new collaborations across industries like sports, fashion, and entertainment. We've also worked hard to build a platform that amplifies the voices of our artists, creating meaningful opportunities for them beyond the battles. What hasn’t changed is the raw energy, creativity, and community that defines every Secret Walls event.

A Secret Walls battle at MURAL Festival in Montreal, 2023 Credit Sofie Hojabri

“Our battles are unscripted and real-time—there’s no room for preplanning or perfection.“

What makes Secret Walls different from other live art events?

What sets Secret Walls apart is the competitive spirit combined with live audience engagement. Our battles are unscripted and real-time—there’s no room for preplanning or perfection. Artists have just 90 minutes to create something on the spot, which showcases their creativity and problem solving under pressure. The black-and-white aesthetic we use also forces the artists to innovate and focus on technique and composition. Add to that the energy of the crowd and a collaborative community, and it becomes more than just an art event—it’s truly a unique experience.

“Our goal is to highlight and celebrate the local art culture in every city we go to, from global hubs like New York and Tokyo to emerging creative spaces.“

How do you choose the cities where Secret Walls battles take place?

We select cities based on a combination of factors—an active street art scene, supportive creative community, and local partners that align with our mission. We also look for cities where we can connect with diverse audiences and offer something unique to both the local artists and the attendees. Our goal is to highlight and celebrate the local art culture in every city we go to, from global hubs like New York and Tokyo to emerging creative spaces.

What has been the most memorable battle in Secret Walls history?

There are so many memorable battles, but one that stands out is our 10-year anniversary event in London. We brought back some of the OG artists who helped build Secret Walls and packed out a massive venue with fans from all over. The atmosphere was electric, and it felt like a full-circle moment, celebrating where we started and where we’ve gone as a movement. But every battle has its magic, especially when you see new artists become fan favorites overnight.

“The artists often pull inspiration from the city’s history, architecture, and subcultures, which makes every battle feel distinct and reflective of its location. The energy of the crowd also varies city by city—some places are loud and chaotic, while others are more focused on the art.“

How does the local culture of a city influence a Secret Walls event there?

Local culture plays a huge role in shaping each Secret Walls event. The artists often pull inspiration from the city’s history, architecture, and subcultures, which makes every battle feel distinct and reflective of its location. The energy of the crowd also varies city by city—some places are loud and chaotic, while others are more focused on the art. We lean into those differences, collaborating with local artists, DJs, and even brands to create a hyper-local experience for both the artists and the audience.

What is the typical format of a Secret Walls battle?

The typical format is pretty straightforward: Two teams of artists go head-to-head for 90 minutes, using only black markers or paint on a white canvas. No sketching beforehand with pencils and erasers—it's purely freestyle. Our DJ's keep the energy high while the artists work, and at the end of the battle, the winner is decided by crowd's applause and our expert panel of judges. The simplicity of the format, combined with the spontaneity of the art, creates a really engaging experience for everyone involved.

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Check out their upcoming Secret Walls “The Art of Completion” Tour 

Secret Walls Battle at OuterSpace Project in 2022 Credit_ ABV Gallery

Artists The Obanoth and AngelOnce celebrate their win at a Secret Walls Battle in Pomona, CA on the

 Support Your Local Artist Tour, 2022 Credit Finn Peterson

Kevin Drinking Espresso in Carcassonne credit unknown