Art is often inspired by the personal experiences of the artist. Their work serves to address political, or social concepts, as artists tend to immerse themselves in current events and issues relevant to the time. Native Detroit artist Christopher Batten does just that. His background in martial arts allows him to analyze fighting through a closer lens. With abstract painting techniques, he explores the phenomena of violence and the moments of peace that exist within fighting. He believes that we all function in life as combatants who fight for, or against something, and he uses that belief thematically throughout his work.