Artists, Posters and the London 2012 Olympics

I got back to uni last night so I've had some time to unwind with my flat mates before I got on with some work, and a new term means a new start! Although I haven't been set anything new just yet so I decided to continue working on my entry for the "Where Art Meets Science" competition I registered for in December.

Here's a link to an article on it if you'd like to know more :) http://bit.ly/yShlCy 

I never used to like researching a topic as I've always been more of a hands -on-practical-making-kind-of-girl, but I've gotta say that it's grown on me these past few months. Research is not only EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to support your work but also can be pretty interesting! Like today for example, I've just been reading up about Paralympic runners and body mechanics, which sounds pretty boring - I know.

Then I come across this article http://bit.ly/vhohSA about well known artists involvement in creating posters for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. But what I found even more interesting was the fact that they'd entrusted controversial British artist Tracy Emin to make a contribution. :l

This worried me a little as I know her work to be quite shocking not to mention challenging!

But I was pleasantly surprised by her Paralympic poster titled "Birds".

Emin took the Paralympic values of Inspiration and Determination as the starting point for her print and created what she describes as a 'love letter'.
Two small birds, delicately perched on branches, appear to kiss beneath the words 'You inspire me with Your determination And I love you'. The Agitos (Paralympic logo) floats below them like feathers or leaves falling from the tree.

Birds have frequently appeared in Emin's drawings to symbolise freedom and strength, whilst her use of handwritten text expresses personal thoughts and emotions. Her print is an inspiring dedication to the Paralympic Games and athletes.[1]

Here's Emin at the revealing of the London 2012 poster collection stood with her poster "Birds". Nice One Emin!

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[1] Quoted from article http://bit.ly/vhohSA