Paris is gearing up for the upcoming Summer Olympics with a striking exhibition of posters along the picturesque banks of the River Seine. This display, unveiled as part of the Nuit Blanche arts festival and the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad, showcases the works of seven talented artists. The primary focus of these artworks is to emphasize the core values of the games, namely inclusivity, parity, celebration, and innovation. The slogan for the Paris 2024 Olympics, “Games wide open,” encapsulates the spirit of this grand event.
In close collaboration with the International Olympic Committee, these artists were carefully selected through a competition to create posters that complement the official game’s poster, which has yet to be revealed. Among the chosen artists is Adam Janes, an accomplished American painter known for his intricate figurative and abstract imagery. Janes employs collage, pencil, and watercolor to craft his captivating compositions. Notably, his work has been included in the permanent collections of esteemed institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Another artist from the United States contributing to this project is Clotilde Jimenez, a versatile multidisciplinary artist. Hailing from Hawaii and currently residing in Mexico City, Jimenez employs materials like wallpaper, clothing, magazine clippings, and Mexican craft paper to create visually stunning collages.
French painter Gilles Elie, renowned for his depictions of vacant studios, employs dynamic lines to infuse his poster with kinetic energy. The result is a captivating piece that captures the essence of movement. French photographers Elsa and Johanna take a different approach by constructing elaborate sets and transforming themselves into fictional characters for their images. This imaginative technique adds a touch of whimsy to their artistic creations.
Completing the lineup of French artists are Pierre Seinturier, a cartoonist renowned for his brooding and evocative imagery; Fanny Michaelis, a designer, and illustrator who not only contributes to Le Monde but also showcases her musical talents as the singer and drummer of the band Fatherkid; and Stephanie Lacombe, a photographer who finds inspiration in capturing the essence of everyday life. Lacombe’s exceptional work was recognized in 2001 when she received the Agfa Special Prize from acclaimed Brazilian social commentary photographer Sebastiao Salgado.
To celebrate the 2024 Olympics, a multitude of artworks and diverse performances will grace the streets of Paris. With over 200 artistic installations and performances planned, visitors can immerse themselves in the grandeur of the occasion. These attractions range from opera and mesmerizing whirling dervishes to awe-inspiring large-scale sculptures. Additionally, attendees can engage in a Wild West-inspired ping pong tournament and marvel at a spectacular drone show simulating the night sky.
As an integral part of the Nuit Blanche arts festival, which has brought art and music to the riverbanks since 2002, the posters by the seven selected artists will be prominently displayed along the Seine for an entire month. Each artist was commissioned to create two posters, one dedicated to the Olympics and the other to the Paralympic Games. These diptychs will be exhibited together, forming a cohesive series.
The Cultural Olympiad, responsible for organizing these events, seeks to explore the intersection of art and athletics. The posters are regarded as the centerpiece of Paris 2024’s aspiration to establish a lasting artistic and cultural legacy. The timing of the Paris 2024 Olympics holds great significance for France, as it marks a century since the country last hosted the games in 1924. Following their exhibition along the river, the posters will embark on a tour across France, extending their reach to different regions of the country.