Liam Downes
Artist | Designer | Illustrator
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Liam is the founder of the MTA Collective, and embodies the spirit of painting LIVE, inspiring new generations and 'being present'. You will often find Liam painting in the moment, with a shared canvas to encourage visitors to 'make their mark' - Liam is the Artist in Residence at Eden Park, where he is documenting the big matches and concerts as they happen, building an exciting interactive gallery experience as a new addition to the stadium visitor tour.
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Liam has featured at art shows nationwide and was invited to represent NZ at The National Art Museum of China. SInce then he spent some time at an art residency in Chengdu - an 'experience of a lifetime', and he continues to embrace his role as ambassador for NZ/China cultural relations, working alongside AI Gallery and embassy staff.
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He finds inspiration around most corners of New Zealand. Auckland has become his spiritual home; ‘The clash of mother nature and feats of man-made engineering - Rangitoto sleeps as the Sky Tower looms'; commentary through opposing land and city scapes dominate; figure painting 'just for the love of it'; throw in the odd statement for good measure. He draws some influence from a background in the commercial arts, embracing the battle between structure and abandon.