THE ART OF COMPETITION: KEVIN COLLINS ON SECRET WALLS, LA’S LIVE ART REVOLUTION
In a city that thrives on creativity and reinvention, Secret Walls has carved out its niche as LA’s most electrifying live art experience. Imagine a creative fight club, but instead of fists, artists wield black paint, battling under a ticking clock in front of a crowd that buzzes with anticipation. For Kevin Collins, CEO of Secret Walls (pictured above), this is more than a spectacle—it’s a movement. Working alongside founder Terry Guy, Collins has helped shape Secret Walls into a global phenomenon, where art meets adrenaline, and competition fuels inspiration.
Image: Jaime Guerrero
Now headquartered in Los Angeles, Secret Walls is bringing a distinctly LA edge to live art battles. Guy’s vision? To make Secret Walls an entertainment empire, one battle at a time. By turning live art into a platform for social change, Secret Walls is transcending traditional boundaries, showing that art can be both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Secret Walls didn’t start in the back alleys of LA but in the creative hubs of London. It was there that Guy and his friends first saw an MC battle and had a revelation: “We went to this underground rap battle, and it was electric. I remember thinking, why not bring that energy to the art world?” says Collins. Guy saw the potential to turn live art into a competitive and communal experience, where the audience isn’t just watching but participating in the tension, cheering as artists push their creativity to the limit.
The concept took hold, and soon, Secret Walls was igniting art scenes in cities around the world. The mix of competition and artistry proved to be addictive, not just for the artists but for the audience. “It’s the adrenaline,” Collins explains. “The audience feels the tension, and the artists push themselves in ways they never would alone in their studios. That shared energy is what keeps people coming back.”
Image: Mike Castro
Since moving Secret Walls to Los Angeles, the city’s unique spirit has become an essential part of its identity. “LA is a creative epicentre, and it’s transformed what we do,” says Collins. “Every city brings something different, but LA’s cultural blend and artistic freedom set it apart.” In a city where street art is practically synonymous with its identity, Secret Walls fits right in. From the vibrant murals of the Arts District to the hidden graffiti in Venice, LA is brimming with artistic inspiration, and Secret Walls amplifies it in an entirely new way.
Hosting an event in Los Angeles is unlike anywhere else. There’s an intensity, a rawness that comes from a city where creative boundaries are pushed daily. For Secret Walls, LA provides a canvas as diverse as the artists themselves—a perfect setting for live art battles that are equal parts performance and personal expression.
There’s nothing quite like the energy of a Secret Walls battle. Artists face off, armed only with black paint, in a 90-minute showdown. “The pressure adds an intensity that fuels creativity,” Collins observes. “When that clock is ticking, artists step outside their comfort zones. They take risks they might not in a studio, feeding off the crowd’s energy in an almost palpable way.” For artists who are used to creating in solitude, the challenge is stepping into a new mindset, one where they must embrace the vulnerability of live performance. And it’s this vulnerability that gives Secret Walls its unique edge—it’s as raw as art gets.
Image: Finn Peterson
Secret Walls thrives in the heart of LA’s street art culture, yet it offers something unique. “We’ve carved out a space where artists connect, compete, and collaborate in real-time,” says Collins. By limiting artists to black paint, Secret Walls strips art down to its essentials, challenging artists to rely on skill, style, and pure creativity. This simplicity is intentional. It forces the artists to make an impact with the most basic of tools, levelling the playing field and keeping the focus on their expression.
In a city like Los Angeles, where art is as much about social dialogue as it is about aesthetics, Secret Walls is not just an entertainment spectacle—it’s a platform. “Art has always been a powerful tool for social commentary,” Collins notes. “Through Secret Walls, we’re giving artists a stage to voice opinions and challenge perspectives.” Collins envisions Secret Walls as a place where live art can ignite conversations around crucial issues, whether it’s environmental advocacy or social justice. In this way, Secret Walls becomes more than a creative outlet; it’s a catalyst for change.
Artist Alepsis Hernandez painting during a Secret Walls Battle at Long Beach Walls Festival. Image: Illogical Truths
With Secret Walls thriving in LA, Collins and his team are setting their sights on what’s next. “We’re pushing the boundaries with larger collaborations and more immersive experiences,” he says. “Secret Walls will keep evolving, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us.” For those wanting to explore LA through the lens of Secret Walls, Collins suggests a few local highlights. Start with the bold murals in the Arts District, take in contemporary works at The Broad, and dive into the underground culture of Leimert Park. These spots capture the pulse of the city’s creativity, much like Secret Walls itself.
Secret Walls is more than a live art battle; it’s an experience that resonates with LA’s spirit. As Collins and his team continue to expand, they’re not just building an entertainment brand—they’re cultivating a creative movement that lives at the intersection of art, community, and cultural change. For a city as vibrant and multifaceted as Los Angeles, Secret Walls feels right at home. In the coming years, Secret Walls will no doubt be a driving force, proving that live art is more than a moment—it’s a movement.
