CANBERRA’S Owen ‘Butcha’ Gibbons has been named as a winner of the “Next Level” global digital art competition, which  attracted more than 1,200 entries worldwide.

Owen will have his work exhibited alongside national and international artists at exhibitions in both Melbourne and Sydney throughout September and October. His work will also be published in the ‘Next Level’ publication, and if purchased, will receive the profits from the sale, less the production costs.

Normally to be seen clad in a flanny and Death Metal shirt, Owen is a professional graphic designer and self-taught digital artist living in Canberra. He draws inspiration from comics, dark arts, horror movies, popular culture and the downright weird.

Owen has a  growing portfolio of his spine-chilling  illustrations featured in group exhibitions, books and websites.

More than 30 Australian artists have been named as winners in the competition, created by digital technology company Wacom and creative management agency Just Another Agency. They’ll have their artwork exhibited alongside artists like Alex Lehours, Alex Solis, Ben Brown, Bec Winnel and Dirty Bandits, who all used the Wacom Cintiq Companion 2, at exhibitions in both Melbourne and Sydney throughout September and October.

Those events in  Melbourne and Sydney, which will also see the launch of  Wacom’s first artist publication.

Wacom Australia Managing Director Shane Cook says the company’s ethos is to bring people and technology closer together. “Supporting both local and international artists in the digital scene is something we are really passionate about.”

The “Next Level” exhibition, at Melbourne’s No Vacancy in Federation Square from September 5-15, with opening night on Thursday,  September 8,  then at China Heights Gallery in Surry Hills, Sydney, from October 7-9.  More info at justanother.com.au