Secret Wars, the fight club of the art world returns to Cardiff for its first instalment of 2009 .
Artists, Graffiti writers and illustrators assemble on a monthly basis in Undertone basement armed only with marker pens to battle it out for the title of Secret Wars champ.
Format is simple. Each artist is given a white wall 6ft by 4 ft and a hand full of maker pens (no aerosol allowed) the best drawing wins. As Dj Jaffa scratches his way through the finest hip hop beats the competition gets underway. With a 90 minute time limit the 7 competitors begin frantically sketching and tagging. Hosted by none other than Associated Minds finest (and World record freestyle holder) Ruffstylz keeps the crowd updated and hyped with regular time updates.
This months competitors included, Jon Bunney, Magic, Dom, Chris Allen, Rarebit and Ant Man, each has a different style which slowly unfolds as the clock ticks. As the walls gradually fill with ink there is no clear indication to who is winning. The standard is very high and each artist brings their own style to the competition, from Doms minimal line drawing monsters to Chris Allens intricate designs. The elemental of freestyle drawing is clearly present.
Before we know it the 90 minutes is up, Ruffstylz brings the judges to the front of the crowd. Each judge votes for their favourite and it’s left to the crowd to scream loudest for their winner. After much deliberation the crowd favourite Majic and his Japanese inspired piece are crowned winner. With the excitement over its on to the dance floor to Rave the rest of the night away to Focus and Lyons tight drum and bass.
Big thanks to Oner Signs, Cardifferent Clothing and Associated Minds for contributing prizes.
It has recently been announced that Secret Wars Cardiff will be running monthly, if you want to compete email undertonebasement@hotmail.com
