Paris Olympics 2024: Artists live-action at the Eiffel Tower
Peter Spens, a 63-year-old artist from London (UK), is attracting public attention when he directly painted on the Eiffel Tower stadium at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Spens spent more than 14 hours a day to depict this spectacular scene.
When he wasn’t distracted by the fierce fighting taking place on the sand below, he spent his time focusing on the details of the site. “I had to take advantage of every opportunity to work. I had to look, look, look at everything,” he added.
In fact, he admits that capturing the context of the “unique” location for beach volleyball was a challenge. Although the Eiffel Tower is a famous symbol of Paris, he had to find a way to convey its meaning through his brushstrokes. Fortunately, this is not the first time the British artist has participated in the Olympics, nor is it the first time he has participated in an Olympic beach volleyball tournament.
Spens first entered the world of Olympic art during the London 2012 Olympics, when he was commissioned by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) to create a unique set of scenic views, accessing nearby rooftops and stages to capture the unique spectacle taking place at the historic Horse Guards Parade.
His work was hailed as a “huge success” and paved the way for his next Olympic art endeavor: painting beach volleyball at Copacabana Beach. Working day and night, Spens meticulously recreated the temporary stadium built for Rio 2016.
The painting, which features the bright colours of Brazil and the spirit and energy of its fans, is another success for the British artist – one that continues his journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“It’s really meaningful to do a triptych to create a permanent painting,” said FIVB General Director Fabio Azevedo. “I’ve been in the sport for 34 years and I’ve never seen a stadium like this. Copacabana is magical. Horse Guards Square is magical. It’s really extraordinary.”
Spens will do his best to capture the beauty of the Eiffel Tower Stadium, but making an impression in a city so saturated with art will not be easy. Fortunately, there will be no critics to judge his work. Unlike the art competitions held during the 1924 Paris Olympics.
“The game is on,” said the talented artist, “But like in the Olympics, sometimes you win and sometimes you don't. I just have to keep working.”
Although his work is not eligible for gold, it will be awarded alongside them. Every medalist in beach volleyball at Paris 2024 will receive a signed print of the work alongside their gold, silver or bronze medal – a souvenir worthy of hanging in the Louvre.
According to Art Republik Vietnam
