An Intriguing Conversation with Secret Walls
Video Credit: Secret Walls X Denver Walls (Denver Walls Festival)
Secret Walls is revolutionizing the art world with its exhilarating live paint battles that captivate audiences and showcase the extraordinary talent of artists from around the globe. This one-of-a-kind event brings together creativity, competition, and community in a high-energy showdown that leaves audiences awestruck.
Secret Walls battles consist of two teams of artists that go head-to-head, armed with nothing but their imagination and black paint, as they create awe-inspiring masterpieces on a blank canvas in front of an audience. Within a time limit of 90 minutes, these skilled artists must push their limits, turning ordinary walls into extraordinary works of art.
What sets Secret Walls apart is its unparalleled intensity. Audiences are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as they witness the artists' skill, spontaneity, and passion. They actively engage in the battles, cheering for their favorite artists and becoming an integral part of the creative process.
With events held worldwide, Secret Walls has become a global phenomenon, attracting established and emerging artists alike. It provides a platform for diverse talents to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and connect with a vibrant community of art enthusiasts.
Secret Walls represents the fusion of art, entertainment, sports, and the gaming world. It celebrates the power of artistic expression, collaboration, and the thrill of creation. Join us in this extraordinary journey as we unveil the next generation of artistic talent and elevate the art experience to new heights.
#SecretWalls #PaintBattle #ArtofCompetition
I had the pleasure of asking Secret Walls Founder Terry Guy about how the brand was started, what is something the visual arts can’t say about expressing oneself, and so much more.
UZOMAH: Is there anything you found that the visual arts can’t say about expressing oneself?
TERRY: Visual arts are incredibly powerful in conveying emotion, ideas, and stories, often in ways that words can't. However, one limitation I've noticed is that while visual art can evoke feelings and spark thoughts, it can be a challenge to communicate complex narratives and nuanced debates without additional context.
Growing up in the UK countryside, I had a lot of time to reflect and let my imagination run wild. Moving to cities like London, Los Angeles, and New York, and visiting places like Tokyo really expanded my understanding of how visual art could intersect with these cultural elements. Each city brought me new inspirations and experiences—from the raw early street art of London to the no-sleep vibes of New York, the diverse cultures of Los Angeles, and the unique blend of tradition and modernity in Tokyo.
All of these experiences have shaped how I harness the power of visual arts to express oneself and connect people, often in stronger ways than words could alone.
U: When you first initiated Secret Walls, a unique form of competitive art-making that has its roots in graffiti and street art. Did you anticipate the overwhelmingly positive response to this idea? Could you share a personal anecdote or experience that encapsulates this reaction?
T: When I first started Secret Walls, I hoped that it would resonate with and inspire people's imagination, although I never anticipated just how passionately people would embrace it.
I remember one of our earliest events in Shoreditch, London. The room was packed, the energy was electric, and you could feel the anticipation in the air. The music was bumping with a scratch DJ adding to the raw energy of the event. After the event, an artist approached me and said that Secret Walls gave them a sense of purpose and belonging in the art community which they hadn’t felt before. It was like seeing my love for street culture, comics, and live sports come-to-life in a way that connected with people on a deeper level than experiencing each medium individually.
That moment made me realize we were onto something special. This was more than just a competition for bragging rights. It was a platform for artists to express themselves, connect with others, and find their voices in the art world. As I took Secret Walls from London to Los Angeles, New York, and beyond, I saw that same reaction in every city, using art as our universal language.
Finished artwork along the side of a gallery wall following the Secret Walls Battle at Long Beach Walls Festival (Credit Illogical Truths)
U: Could you provide more insight into how your artistic background, precisely your digital animation degree, has shaped the birth of Secret Walls? For example, could you discuss a particular artwork or project that served as a precursor to Secret Walls?
T: My background in street art and graffiti played a huge role in shaping Secret Walls. Growing up in the peaceful countryside of the Isle of Wight, I was always looking for ways to bring more energy and creativity into my surroundings. Moving to London exposed me to the vibrant street culture, where hip hop, graffiti, and comics all collided in a way which felt like a natural extension of the urban environment.
One project which stands out as a precursor to Secret Walls was a large-scale mural I worked on with a group of friends in London. We didn’t have permission, but we believed in what we were creating—a bold, vibrant piece that reflected our community’s spirit. The collaborative nature of the mural, combined with the thrill of creating art in a public space, directly inspired the format of Secret Walls.
As I moved to Los Angeles and later visited cities like New York and Tokyo, I was further inspired by the different ways street art and culture intersected within each place, adding new layers to what I wanted Secret Walls to represent—a global community and movement that captures the energy, diversity, and spontaneity of contemporary art across different cultures.
Secret Walls battle in Houston, TX on the Support Your Local Artist Tour, 2022 (Credit_ Finn Peterson)
U: Imagine a Secret Walls event where two artists from any artistic period who are no longer living engage in a battle of creativity. Who would you like to see in this hypothetical clash? And which two living artists would you be eager to witness in a similar showdown?
T: If I could bring back two artists from history for a Secret Walls battle, I’d love to see my favorite, Keith Haring, face off against Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Haring’s mastery of scale and freestyle paired against Basquiat’s raw, expressive energy would be an incredible clash of styles. Both artists drew inspiration from the world around them—Haring from the vibrant, fast-paced street culture and Basquiat from the unfiltered, gritty energy of urban life, which would make for a fascinating juxtaposition.
As for living artists, I think it would be thrilling to see Banksy go head-to-head with Takashi Murakami. Banksy’s street-smart commentary against Murakami’s vibrant, pop culture-infused creations would make for a battle which blends the rebellious spirit of graffiti with the surreal world of illustration.
Both pairings would be like watching a legendary rap battle—intense, unpredictable, and certainly unforgettable.
Please follow us on Instagram @SecretWalls and come say hello at one of our USA tour shows of Secret Walls “The Art of Competition Tour.”
Photo Credit: Ja Tecson
About Terry Guy:
As Founder of Secret Walls, T erry Guy launched the renowned live art and entertainment company in 2006 after decades of working in the art industry. Guy has overseen the successful evolution of Global Battles, Supporting Your Local Artist (SYLA), and building the Secret Walls community. As a pioneer of the UK street art scene, Guy previously held esteemed roles at High Rise Murals, UK’ s first hand painted OOH media company, and Dudebox, a vinyl art toy company. Guy shared his creative vision and direction to set up and establish both companies’ notable achievements with the world’ s top artists. Using art as his first language, Guy ’ s passion for the arts and street culture has brought him all over the world, seeking the finest artistic talent and working for notable clients, such as Posca, Apple, Reebok, and Umbro. Guy is now based in Los Angeles.
For more information about Secret Walls, please visit their website here. They can also be found on Instagram here.
