Blantyre-based visual artist Thandiwe Phiri has emerged as the winner in a live painting contest dubbed Live Art Battle organized by art-centered organization Zaluso Arts.

Six visual artists were selected to participate in a two-round contest that took place at Zaluso Arts Hub in Area 47 in Lilongwe.

The artists were given a task to do paintings under the themes An African Christmas and Myths and Legends in an hour-long session with the audience watching. Upon completing their creation, the artists explained to the audience the stories behind their paintings after which voting followed.

Phiri said she felt honoured for being selected winner of the competition: “It was overwhelming. I thought I was going there just for fun and to mix with my fellow artists, but to have emerged winner brought a special feeling. It was a such as sweet surprise.”

The artist received a cash prize of one hundred thousand, a fifty thousand worth shopping voucher, and other assorted prizes for emerging winner of the competition.