Art & the Olympics

Bob & Roberta Smith -Who is Community?

Trawling Art on the Underground I came across this Olympic film by the artist known as Bob and Roberta Smith. Produced for Stratford station, the artist imagines the founder of the Olympics Baron de Coubertin meeting philosopher Hannah Arendt on the Central Line and falling in love. It is a heart-warming message about hope in the community and Arendt wears a striking green suit with orange shirt that would match my favourite hideous bag.

Chris Ofili - For The Unknown Runner

Currently showing at the New Art Gallery, Walsall is Good Sport celebrating the spirit of taking part, and showing alongside are 12 limited edition prints, commissioned by Counter Editions to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The 12 artists include four Turner Prize winners: Martin Creed, Howard Hodgkin, Chris Ofili and Rachel Whiteread, as well as other highly regarded UK artists including Tracey Emin, Michael Craig-Martin, Bridget Riley and Gary Hume. Through their distinct interpretations of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the artists have created a diverse and captivating collection of posters that celebrate London’s hosting the Games, the significance and spectacle of the occasion, and the values the Games uphold. Jackie Mackay