NZ artist Charles Olsen is one of twelve artists in the final of international art competition the Saatchi Showdown. His painting, La Sundari, is a portrait of a friend who is studying flamenco in Madrid.

The competition is open to artists around the world, and the finalists' works are exhibited in the Saatchi Gallery in London. NZ artist Charles Olsen is one of twelve artists in the final of international art competition the Saatchi Showdown. His painting, La Sundari, is a portrait of a friend who is studying flamenco in Madrid.

The competition is open to artists around the world, and the finalists' works are exhibited in the Saatchi Gallery in London.There have been 12 rounds, with thousands entering a work every fortnight. Two favourites the go head-to-head to reach the final, which takes place from 20-26 August.

Charles Olsen has been living in Madrid for the past four years, where he is painting and studying flamenco guitar with gypsy maestro, El Entri.

He found the window-shutters on which La Sundari was painted one night in a skip and carried them home one at a time for the painting.

"They are part of the history of the city and I was also looking for a cheap support to paint on. There is also a vibrant graffiti scene here in Spain and when the shops are closed the metal shutters are covered with large scale images and graffiti but it is difficult to pick out where an idea comes from... maybe Ralph Hotere's paintings on old glass windows... there are so many influences. I've been immersed in flamenco here and I've spent many hours working with my friend Miryam Chachmany who I've painted in this portrait."

"The nature of the competition favours artists with large online networks of friends rather than necessarily the highest quality work, but nevertheless each artist makes their own decision as to whether promoting their own work is important for them or not. For me painting a portrait, accompanying a flamenco dancer with the guitar, learning a new language, or organising an exhibition, all challenge me personally in different ways and trying to increase my chances in this competition is just another challenge. There is some amazing work among the finalists."

20/8/07