Indian Olympic History Comes Alive Through Art in Paris 2024
New Delhi: On August 9, as Indian athletes competed in the Olympic Village, another celebration of India’s Olympic journey unfolded at the 7th Arrondissement Town Hall in Paris. Organized by the JSW Group, the event commemorated pivotal moments in Indian Olympic history, dating back to 1920 when three Indian athletes embarked on the SS Mantua to participate in the Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium.
A standout piece at the event was a canvas by Paris-based Indian artist Sujata Bajaj, which depicted the Indian flag intertwined with the Olympic rings. Bajaj’s work cleverly integrated the colors of both the Indian and French flags—orange, green, blue, white, and red—creating a vibrant portrayal of the universal Olympic spirit. “The fluidity of the colors within the Olympic rings suggests world maps as seen from outer space, reflecting the global unity embodied by the Games,” Bajaj explained. Central to her composition was the Ashoka chakra, symbolizing India, with subtle hints of gold, silver, and bronze representing the coveted Olympic medals.
The event also featured works commissioned by Sangita Jindal, chairperson of JSW Foundation, including three hand-embroidered creations by artisans from the Chanakya School of Craft. Under the guidance of creative director Karishma Swali, these pieces in the ‘Citius—Altius—Fortius’ series celebrated landmark moments in Indian Olympic history, such as Sakshi Malik’s bronze in wrestling at the 2016 Rio Olympics and Neeraj Chopra’s gold in javelin at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
The intricate embroidery combined various needlepoint techniques like couching, bullion knots, and crochet, alongside traditional carpet-weaving methods. Swali noted, “The dynamic energy and disciplined elegance of sports are captured through the fluid silhouettes and vibrant colors, reflecting the nuanced beauty of the craft.”
This unique event not only honored India’s rich Olympic legacy but also showcased the profound connection between sports and art, celebrating the resilience and achievements of Indian athletes through a creative lens.
FOLLOW FOR MORE.
