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FEATURE
Beacons of Light - Parnell exhibit
The vibrant art installation ‘Beacons of Light’ returned to the newly revitalised Heard Park, Parnell, for this year’s Christmas season. The 2025-26 beacons were decorated with colourful works of art by Auckland artists Liam Downes and Vjekoslav Nemesh. Each artist created five artworks to adorn the beacons, which stand at 2.5 metres tall and are illuminated by night. Liam's work also featured on the banner flags that lined the streets of Parnell Rise.
'My 5 artworks are digitally created renders titled 'Pōhutukawa Under The Microscope' - I wanted to do something 'quintessentially Kiwi' for Christmas, celebrating what is still an alien concept to me - Christmas in the Summer! The Pōhutukawas appear blurred and pixelated in part, as if magnified x1000 with exaggerated vibrancy. They compliment Nemesh's colourful expressions, which is a bonus - a forest of light and colour bursting through to illuminate picture perfect Parnell.'
LIVE events artist at Eden Park
Liam recently completed a 94sq/m mural, commissioned by the Park, celebrating the energy of the crowd. Visit here for more, as Liam creatively documents all the big events at Eden Park. You will find him somewhere in the stadium, painting LIVE, as he soaks up each show and applies his own unique expression. Look for the Resene Art Station, often with shared canvas and give-aways. The evolving collection is hung in the Blank Canvas Gallery on the 5th floor - take the stadium tour for viewing via edenpark.co.nz/experiences.
Art Battle Auckland
As director of Rockit Art & Events, Liam is proud to add the world's biggest LIVE painting tournament to his LIVE arts potfolio, as Art Battle NZ producer. Over 200 artists have competed at community Battles Auckland wide. In our 4th year this season will once again culminate with the Grand Final at Eden Park in June 2026 - more here for Art Battle events. Register your interest to compete here.
Meet the Artists Collective
Liam is the founder of the Meet the Artists (MTA) collective - the coming together of 40+ talented Auckland creatives painting LIVE via pop-up galleries and workshop initiatives across Auckland communities. Their mantra is 'being present', offering the public a chance to witness art in action, engage with practicing artists and even participate in the creative process themselves.
- visit the official MTA website here
MOST RECENTLY:
- Heart of the City and Auckland Live presented the inaugural Wharf2Wharf Arts Trail and open studio workshop and exhibition. Through selected days from February to March, the MTA collective lit up 7 iconic landmarks on Auckland's waterfont, from Silo Park to Queens Wharf, in collaboration with the Moana Festival, and ending in a spectacular Moana themed group show at the Silo 6 Gallery
- The collective have painted LIVE for the past two years at Christmas in Aotea Square, inc an All Comers Art Battle, the Resene creation station and a Playcentre interactive zone - in collaboration with Auckland Live.
- MTA are planning to connect with pop-up exhibitions and LIVE painting @ 269 Parnell. Watch this space... for more visit here
Chengdu China NY20+ Art Residency
Liam was invited to spend time with artists in the Chengdu province in China at the end of 2024. As part of the residency programme Liam was lucky enough to exchange creative and cultural ideas with Chinese artists, contributing works to the NY20+ exhibition held later that year - a rich and rewarding experience.
Open Studios Waitakere
Liam usually particpates in the Open Studios event, where he welcomes visitors to his garden and studio. He exhibits his latest works and paints LIVE. Enjoy a cuppa and a natter! With original art + limited edition prints for sale - more here
& the Christchurch Art Battle Champion is...
Liam Downes - where the NZ Art Battle journey began (see below)
Where it began.. Art Battle Christchurch 2022
13 artists competed at the Cristchurch Town Hall for the coveted title of Art Battle Champion 2022. The live speed painting event has become something of a phenomenon on the international art calendar.
After 2 rounds 4 artists made it to a grand final, where the audience decided on the overall winner. Liam was excited to take out first prize, with his cheeky 'half chimp' piece, following a 'half portrait' of his wife Tammy in the first round.
All the work was auctioned for the Just Peoples charity, in support of global famine. The event reached its target to support 50 Ugandan farmers to improve their yield, to ensure their communities have enough to eat, while constructing a clean and safe water source to serve 2000 refugees and Ugandan locals.
Long story short.. Liam enjoyed the challenge and the comradery so much he became the NZ producer - and Rockit Art & Events is proudly responsible for bringing Art Battle to New Zealand.. and local artists to the world stage. With heats across Auckland communities, emerging and established artists band together to showcase their skills and inspiring future generations along the way. Liam connected with the team at Eden Park, who shared in his vision to provide NZ artists with the chance to be crowned the Art Battle Auckland Regional Champion, at the Grand Final showcase event, now held annually in Eden Park's World Cup Lounge.
If you would like to get involved get in touch with Liam or check out artbattle.com for more info.
Art In The Park
Liam was excited to be one of the 100 established artists invited to the inaugural Art In The Park event at Eden Park stadium in Auckland, and again the following year. He created a collection of new works, unveiled for the first time at the shows.
The event was a HUGE success and has gone on to become a 'must do' on the NZ art calendar; the event is now the largest art show in Australasia! Creativity in abundance at such an amazing and iconic venue.
This year Liam put on his Arts promoter hat and brought Art Battle Auckland to the Fortress of the All Blacks' changing room at Eden Park, in collaboration with Art In The Park. Exhibiting artists competing for the 2026 title. Artist Em Wafer took the crown and secured her spot at the Grand Final 2026. It was a spectacular show, befitting of another great AITP.
Beijing International Art Biannale
from Titirangi to China . . . with love
Liam was invited to represent NZ at the 8th Beijing International Art Biennale (BIAB) at the National Art Museum of China. The multi-cultural exhibition then toured across China, before being cancelled post pandemic.
With a theme of "A colorful world and a shared future", New Zealand are 1 of the 6 featured countries. The show covers paintings, prints, watercolors, sketches, sculptures, installations, images and videos.
Liam was invited to include 2 featured paint works of contrasting themes:
'RANGITOTO SUNRISE' & 'CASH COW'
OPEN STUDIOS WAITAKERE
Studio visit & live demonstrations
Liam is a regular participant of the Open Studios Waitakere art tour. The Open Studio event is held annually in November. Liam and Tammy invite you to join them for a scone and tea, explore their kauri garden, get creative with a shared canvas and check out Liam's artwork, and to talk about his inspirations, techniques and passion for making marks. Liam and Tammy are based in Laingholm, nr Titirangi. Studio and art classes are available year round by appointment.
Express yourself - by Liam Downes
"Life is about the moment. We are free to express ourselves. Making our mark helps us to find our place within the moment. The trick is to stay there.”
Liam studied at the London Institute and Brighton College of Art and Design in the UK. He packed his paint brush and moved to New Zealand in 2001, wasting no time exhibiting his new works across Auckland. He continues to find inspiration around most corners of New Zealand, Auckland becoming his spiritual home; "Rangitoto sleeps as the Sky Tower looms." Liam's commentary through opposing land and city scapes dominate; figure painting 'just for the love of it' - and throw in the odd statement for good measure. He draws some influence from a background in graphics and typography, often embracing the battle between structure and abandon.
Liam has exhibited across NZ and enjoyed art residency programmes, most recently in Chengdu, China. He is the resident artist at Eden Park, where he feels blessed to combine his love for sport and music with his passion for paint. When he’s not painting at the Park you will find him in his idyllic garden studio near Titirangi - and he 'wouldn't swap it for the world.'
Call Liam on +64 224 743 404
In NZ you can also find Liams’ works at:
Auckland International Gallery in Epsom, Auckland
Art by the Sea Gallery in Takapuna, Auckland
The Art Shop Gallery in CBD, Christchurch (closed)
The Art Lounge Gallery in Howick, Auckland (closed)
Saatchiart - International Online Gallery
GALLERY
CLICK HERE
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