As Paris gears up to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, the city is not only preparing for the influx of athletes and spectators but also for an ambitious cultural program designed to highlight the intersection of sports and the arts. Integrating Art into the Olympic experience aims to celebrate France’s rich cultural heritage while enhancing the global event’s allure. However, this marriage of Art and sport raises critical questions about an initiative’s effectiveness, authenticity, and impact. If you expect great Art and architecture to leave a lasting legacy at this year’s Paris 2024 Olympics, think again.
First, the official poster designed by Ugo Gattoni is so busy that it lacks a cohesive graphic sensibility. Compare the grand tradition of French graphics from bygone years, from Toulouse-Lautrec, A.M. Cassandre, to Picasso, and now look at the current offerings. The 1924 Olympics had a fantastic poster by Robert Delauney. One hundred years later, the official posters are shockingly awful.
The selected artists whose posters have been unveiled are: Adam Janes, an American painter and sculptor, Clotilde Jiménez, an American multidisciplinary artist, Gilles Elie, a French painter, Elsa and Johanna, a duo of French photographers, Pierre Seinturier, a French cartoonist, Fanny Michaëlis, a French designer and illustrator, Stéphanie Lacombe, a French photographer
Second, Where is the National pride? Where is the innovative architecture? France is the country that produced the likes of Jean Nouvel, Charlotte Perriand and Le Corbusier. Nouvel is one of the most celebrated living French architects, known for his creative and often provocative designs. His work frequently blends contemporary elements with historical contexts, creating unique and dynamic spaces. Nouvel’s projects usually explore themes of transparency, light, and materiality, pushing the boundaries of architectural design. So, where is the focal point? Paris is a European cultural leader, but it is not present here. Aquatics Centre by Venhoeven CS and Ateliers 2/3/4 and the Adidas Arena by SCAU and NP2F are underwhelming!
The mantra has been to minimise the 2024 Olympic organisers’ carbon footprint by opting for existing buildings and temporary structures for nearly all of the 35 venues. Many of these will be set against Paris’s iconic landmarks. So, nothing new! The Games have also spurred renovations to historic sites, including the Grand Palais. Here is an architecture enthusiast’s guide to 16 of the most significant venues for Paris 2024:
Missed Opportunity: With its history as a global cultural hub, Paris is a fitting stage for this confluence of athletics and artistic expression. The Olympic committee has promised a series of events, installations, and performances throughout the city to showcase contemporary and traditional French Art. This approach offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Paris’s legacy as a centre of Art and creativity, providing visitors with a rich, immersive experience. Art in public spaces, including live performances and interactive installations, promises to bring the city to life in ways that transcend the sporting venues.
However, the commodification of Art within the context of the Olympics is a point of contention. Critics argue that including Art in such a commercial and heavily branded event risks reducing it to mere entertainment, stripped of its more profound cultural and social significance. In its most accurate form, Art is meant to challenge, provoke, and inspire. When tied to a massive commercial enterprise like the Olympics, there is a danger that the Art will be curated to align with corporate interests and sanitised to appeal to a broad audience, thus losing its critical edge.
The authenticity of the artistic initiatives at the Paris Olympics is another critical issue. While the organisers promise a celebration of French culture, there is a risk that the Art showcased will lean towards the easily digestible and widely recognisable rather than the innovative and challenging. This approach might cater to tourists’ expectations rather than provide a genuine representation of France’s vibrant and diverse contemporary art scene. The balance between creating an inclusive cultural experience and maintaining artistic integrity is a delicate operation.
The spotlight on international Art during the Olympics could overshadow local artists, who may need help to compete with the grandeur and visibility of the Olympic-related events. While the Olympics provide a platform for global exposure, local talents might be marginalised in favour of more prominent, internationally recognised artists. Ensuring that local voices are heard and celebrated should be a priority for the organisers to avoid alienating the community the cultural program aims to represent.
Another critical aspect to consider is the sustainability and legacy of the art programs initiated for the Olympics. Temporary installations and performances, while engaging, often leave little lasting impact. The challenge lies in creating art projects that enhance the Olympic experience and meaningfully contribute to the city’s cultural landscape. Sustainable, community-focused art projects that continue to benefit Paris long after the Olympics would be a testament to the proper integration of Art and sport.
The inclusion of Art in the Paris 2024 Olympics presents a unique opportunity to celebrate and showcase the cultural richness of France. However, it is imperative to approach this integration critically, ensuring that the Art remains authentic, impactful, and inclusive. The success of this initiative will depend on balancing commercial interests with artistic integrity, celebrating local talent alongside international names, and creating a sustainable cultural legacy that resonates long after the Olympic flame has been extinguished. As the world turns its eyes to Paris, the city has had the chance to redefine the role of Art in global events, setting a precedent for future host cities. Another Missed Opportunity!
A jury of representatives from the IOC, the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, the French Ministry of Culture, and the City of Paris selected five artists for the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad. The photo above is part of this selection…
So what’s the verdict? If this represents what France has to offer in Art and Architecture on the world stage, then bring on the sports and concerts as the visual section of the Cultural Olympiad is a dismal failure.
Words: PCR Photos Courtesy Cultural Olympiad