Sketch Warz: Urban Art Battles Hit Durban

Artists are usually viewed as solitary creatures living hermit-like existences behind closed doors, coming out only at exhibition openings to be paraded around like performing monkeys.

Local scribbler Warren Raysdorff is shattering those stereotypes, and bringing a sense of drama to the proceedings by founding Sketch Warz, which pits young, unknown artists against each other in public battles reminiscent of hip hop dance or rap throw-downs. Durban Live caught up with him to see what it's all about:

What is Sketch Warz?

Sketch Warz is a cause that brings artists out of their studios and into the streets, approaching people in an unconventional setting similarly to the way most people may be shocked to see a graffiti piece on an old building. Except that Sketch Warz is controlled and promotes art in a respectable light. It is a social network that brings likeminded people together, even non artists who just show an appreciation for it. Our main goal is to inspire people young and old to get involved, speak their minds and use their gifts wherever and whenever they can to make this world a brighter and more beautiful place for all.
The rules are: 80 minutes on the clock, working with paint and markers only on white canvas (no sketches, no pencils). Artists start 5 minutes apart with a coin toss deciding who goes first. Judging is done by a crowd vote, and we also have the famous editorial cartoonist Nanda Sooben as a judge. All artwork will be selectively chosen for a possible display or exhibition at a later stage.

What gave you the idea? Do you really think this can work in Durban?

I cannot mention the actual group for legal reasons, but let's just say nobody ever brings events to Durban so we decided we would make our own! We have the interest but it's all about how everyone feels on the day. It is free so there shouldn't be any excuses.

How do 'battling' and the performance aspect of the event change art?

It is only a performance because it is interactive with the crowd and the artist has a short amount of time to complete a piece. When this is done well spectators will look on in awe! We are not changing art but rather tying to change the fact that artists (especially urban art forms) must show their art to only people who they think will appreciate. We want our art to be loved by others!
What has been the hardest part of this process?

Financial support. We can have great ideas but things cost money. This is the unfortunate thing about art: we must still eat. I am no doubt going to starve this month because I have invested most of my salary and time into Sketch Warz. Marketing is also a challenge when you have little time and no computer at home to work with.

Sketch Warz makes its debut at CityZen Internet Café (Gordon Road in Morningside) March 21st at 11am. Entry is free and gawkers are welcome!

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