Battle of the Brush Manila Recap
On October 26, 2024, I had the absolute thrill of participating in Battle of the Brush Manila alongside my ever-talented partner-in-art-crime, William D. Higginson. It was an unforgettable night of art, community, and purpose—a perfect storm (pun intended) of creativity.
Back in Action
Returning to the Battle of the Brush stage with William after nearly a decade was both exciting and nostalgic. The last time we competed was in 2016, when we won the Champions of Champions edition. No pressure, right?
This time, we created a piece titled Tides of Imagination, blending my love for landscapes with William’s surrealist flair.
Collaborating in front of a live audience is always exhilarating. The process demanded focus, adaptability, and trust in one another’s vision, making the final piece not just a work of art, but a testament to teamwork and a shared vision.
More Than Just Painting
Battle of the Brush is about way more than slapping paint on a canvas. It’s about connection, collaboration, and that “wow” moment when two artists’ visions merge into one. As the audience watched, pairs of artists transformed the act of painting into an electrifying performance.
This year’s event was hosted as part of the Immersive Art: Of Echoes and Currents exhibition, which brought together 62 insanely talented artists, musicians, dancers and performers to explore themes of water, connection, and creativity. It was like one big artsy family reunion—complete with live painting, laughter, and probably more paint on us than the canvases.
Art with a Purpose
This year’s Battle of the Brush wasn’t just about making cool art—it had heart. The event marked the fifth anniversary of the Search Mindscape Foundation, and proceeds from the artwork sales went to support victims of Typhoon Kristine.
With over 1.4 million people displaced in the Bicol region of the Philippines, the funds provided critical relief through Angat Buhay. Knowing our work contributed to this effort made the experience even more meaningful.
Shoutouts and Thank-Yous
A massive thank-you to everyone who made this event happen:
To our Battle of the Brush friends from Canada who brought their vision to the Philippines, you’re rock stars.
To the Filipino artists who welcomed us with open arms and endless creativity, it was an honor to work alongside you. Lydia Velasco | Anina Rubio | Orley Ypon | Mark Belicario | Charlie Co | Roedil Geraldo | AG Sano | Buwi Meneses | BARC | Dime
And to the organizers, sponsors, and audience—thank you for your energy, generosity, and support. You turned a live painting event into something so much bigger.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we didn’t just make art—we made waves. 🌊
With gratitude,
Olga
