In just two days, London lights the torch for the 2012 Olympic Games, and brilliant athletes from around the globe will compete for glory!
Besides seeing the motto of the Olympics in action (“Citius, Altius, Fortius”, or ”higher, faster, stronger”), you can see a phenomenal array of art and culture installations in London’s Olympic Park, where the Games’ athletic events and ceremonies take place.
Through these permanent art commissions, Olympic Park creates a unique area integrating artistic elements including bridges, planting schemes, and large-scale sculpture.
A reference to a popular use of the park, thirty-foot tall glass and stainless steel letters form the word ‘RUN’, a work by internationally-renowned Italian artist Monica Bonvicini.
RUN by Monica Bonvicini
During the day, the letters act as a mirror, but at night, they glow with internal LED lighting. Bovicini also drew inspiration from “Running Dry”, the song by legendary musician Neil Young.
Artist Martin Richman incorporated his artwork into one of the central bridges on Olympic Park. Inspired by the energy of the Olympic Games and the flow of the rivers that run through London, Richman’s art installations include a variety of recycled glass.
One Whirl by Martin Richman
Leading to the Olympic Stadium, an interactive bridge designed by the Jason Bruges Studio allows visitors to experience a small chunk of the Olympics. During the Games, the bridge is continuously lit, but afterwards the lights will flash at the speed of the fastest 100 meter sprint.
Fast, Faster, Fastest designed by Jason Bruges Studio
Finally, at almost four hundred feet in height, The Orbit, Britain’s tallest art structure, offers perfect views over Olympic Park and all of London. Designed by British-born Indian artist Anish Kapoor, The Orbit spirals its red curves into the sky, representing London, the UK, and the five Olympic rings.
The Orbit by Anish Kapoor
- Ava Cotlowitz
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