ENTERTAINMENT

The Fine Art of Body Painting

Models became the canvas for some of the most accomplished artists in the world from September 4 - 7, 2008 at Beban Park in Nanaimo, British Columbia. 

Since 2002 one of Canada's most colourful events has taken place every year in Nanaimo BC, Canada.

Body painting is an art form that draws people from countries all over the world to compete. Artists use semi-clad bodies as their canvas in celebration of creativity and life.

Some say body painting is the oldest form of art, dating back to early civilization. In the last dozen years, with a growing acceptance of offbeat performance, the World Bodypainting Festival has attracted thousands of people.

The festival began in 1996 in Austria. Over the years, it has draw hundreds of artists and models, from all over the world.

The festival lasts a week, of which the first four days consist of special workshops and lessons, and the last three days consist of the actual festival event, which is open to the public without prior reservation. The festival event is open for both adults and children, and many families come there together. Here are highlights of the first South Korean competition.  

"This is an exciting time to be given world sanctioning, while Nanaimo celebrates being a 2008 Cultural Capital of Canada" said Dawn Tyndall, Event Co-organizer. Upon awarding Nanaimo's Body Gras team with sanctioning, World Body Painting Association President Alex Barendregt stated "We are delighted to have Nanaimo, BC, Canada host one of our world sanctioned events. With the history of the team in Nanaimo we feel confident they will showcase the amazing art form that body painting is."  

Guests arrive and artists' workshops were held beginning on Thursday, September 4. Five different workshops were taught by some of the top artists in the world, such as one of Europe's leading Make-up Artists Shaul Maloem from the Make-up Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.   

The Monkey's Jungle Masquerade Party, open to the public, welcomed artists and models on Friday, September 5.  The party was held from 7:30 pm to 12:00 am in the Centennial Building at Beban Park.

The main competition started at 11:00 am on Saturday September 6 with the public welcome from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm.  There were live demos and face painting for kids of all ages. Saturday night at 7:00 pm all art pieces were presented to music and the theme of ‘It's A Jungle Out There’. The public voted on their favorite art piece and had their photos taken with the models and artists. There was entertainment featuring live band Little Head, fire dancing performances by Willow, a dance troupe from VIBE, art presentations and awards ceremonies. 

For more information and details on the Body Painting Championships, visit www.bodypaintcanada.com or contact Dawn Tyndall, Event Co-organizer at 250-751-4142 or email dawntyndall@shaw.ca.