Become a My Ocula member for exclusive access to contemporary art and personalised artist recommendations.
Join Us Sign In
The Art World in Focus
Clear
ED BATS

ED BATS

b. 1990, South Africa
Overview Magazine
Follow Artist Enquire
Ed Bats Biography

‘In the studio there is one constant, which is music. It’s an integral part to my art making and serves as a form of escapism. The latest paintings were driven by a near obsessive barrage of minimal and ambient music and soundscapes. Phillip Glass for breakfast, Boards of Canada for lunch, a bit of Susumu Yokotas “Sakura” for dinner, topped off with a fiendish amount of minimal techno. The constant sit down, stand up, stare, paint, stare, sit down repetition is fuelled by my own visual interpretation of the moods and compositions that I find myself listening to on a daily basis. I am convinced of the coexistence of painting and music.’ — Ed Bats, 2017

Ed Bats was born in Cape Town, South Africa. He has exhibited in New Zealand and internationally at The Young, Wellington, Parlour Projects, Hawkes Bay and various galleries throughout Europe. In 2016 Bats undertook artist residencies in Berlin, Germany and Lyon, France. He is a three-time finalist for the Wallace Art Awards and has works housed within the Wallace Collection and various private collections. He currently resides in Wellington, New Zealand.

Read More
Ed Bats contemporary artist
Ed Bats Pricing / Available Works
Enquire

Representative Artworks

Ed Bats, The leaky boat (2021). Acrylic on canvas, artist frame (Acacia). 800 x 2000mm. Installation view at Kowtow. Photo: Ivan Muller.
View story
Ed Bats, It's tree time #2 (2021). Acrylic and gel medium on canvas with Jarrah timber sides, 80 × 62 cm. Courtesy Gallery 9, Sydney.                                   
Exhibition view: Ed Bats, Recent Works, Gallery 9, Sydney (5–29 March 2025). Courtesy Gallery 9. Photo: Simon Hewson.
Exhibition view: Ed Bats, Trout man observes, Gallery 9, Sydney (10 August–3 September 2022). Courtesy Gallery 9, Sydney.
Exhibition view: Back Room Group Exhibition, Gallery 9, Sydney (25 January–18 February 2023). Courtesy Gallery 9. 

Ed Bats in Ocula Magazine

TENT Art Weekend in New Zealand Six Artwork Highlights
Spotlight TENT Art Weekend in New Zealand: Six Artwork Highlights Ocula Editors Ocula Magazine selects six artworks to highlight from TENT, the new art weekend initiative instigated by the co‑founders of Aotearoa Art Fair.
Spring1883 in Melbourne Artist Highlights
Spotlight Spring1883 in Melbourne: Artist Highlights Sherry Paik This year, Melbourne’s Spring1883 art fair returns with an online programme featuring 29 galleries from Australia and New Zealand.

Explore and Follow Artists Shaping Contemporary Art

All Artists
Loading...
Magazine Gallery Platform Advisory
Ocula Magazine

A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.

Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.

 Learn more about Ocula Magazine Learn more about Ocula Magazine Ocula Gallery Platform

Showcasing the best of the art world.

Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.

 Learn more about Ocula Membership Learn more about Ocula Membership Ocula Advisory

Specialises in the sale of major artworks.

Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.

 Learn more about our team and services Learn more about Ocula Advisory
The art world in focus