A Darwen street artist is preparing to go up against talented artists across the country at Art Battle Manchester.
Keiron ‘Curly’ Whitehead will be going to artistic battle on Friday, February 9, at what is described as “Manchester's most energetic art event”.
Ten talented artists will go head-to-head in a live 30-minute paint off, where ticketholders will decide the winner.
The event, which is now sold out, will be held at the Science and Industry Museum in Liverpool Road, Manchester.
The 36-year-old said he was invited to take part in the event before Christmas and does not yet know what he will create on the day of the event.
He said: “My intention is to represent graffiti and street art in an effective way that will stand out within the 30 minute time limit.
“I don’t want to give too much away so the unveiling can be seen once complete.”
He said: “There is no theme for the event which gives more scope to be able to paint anything.
“Usually when I attend a graffiti festival or street art event i don’t normally plan what I’m going to paint until I’m stood at the wall and had a look around to see what other artists are creating.
“[At other events like this] knowing the artists helps as you get to understand their styles and themes they use… but Art Battle Manchester welcomes a complete variety of artists of all backgrounds.”
Keiron admits that he has his eyes on the prize at the competition.
He said: “You’ve got to be in it to win it - but regardless of if I win or not it’s certainly an achievement to be able to take part in such an iconic event.”
If you are a Darrener, you might have seen Keiron’s art work around town as he has worked on several art murals in recent years.
In 2020 he worked with Crown Paints to complete a special mural, at the corner of Hollins Road ,to recognise the work of the NHS and key workers in Darwen.
Keiron says he loves the freedom that art gives him.
He said: “With art I zone out and just create. There are no rules no requirements, just your imagination and vision.
“Freestyle graffiti pieces, murals and landscape themes are my happy places in my art world.
“I want to thank everyone that has asked me to paint, backed me with projects and working with me to make the community a more colourful place.
“All of this has contributed to my development and achievements.”
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