THROUGH THE ARTWORKS WITH DIFFERENT MESSAGES AND ARTISTIC STYLES, CREATIVES ACROSS ASIA JOIN FORCES TO SEND ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT FOR ATHLETES IN TOKYO’S 2020 OLYMPICS THAT WILL KICK OFF SHORTLY
TEXT: WEE VIRAPORN
IMAGE CREDIT AS NOTED
(For Thai, press here)
play by Danaiphan Washareewongse (Thailand)
The Olympics have been considered as one of the greatest events of mankind for over a hundred years. It’s a special and inspiring occasion for world-class athletes to show the best of what human physical abilities are capable of, as well as a symbol of union and harmony between countries around the world. The Olympics is also a space that creates new innovations and developments, many beyond the realm of sports, from the mega architecture of sporting venues, many of which have become representatives and landmarks of both the event and the host country. The public transportation systems are designed to be prepared to accommodate people who travel from all over the world. Graphic designers need to come up with a universal system of symbols to communicate with users from different linguistic backgrounds, while it is also expected to simultaneously hold certain characteristics of the host country and city. New technologies developed by camera companies are created to deliver the fastest and most precise performance in capturing and recording the games, including so many other technological advancements one can expect to see.
Certainly, the host countries that are able to manage all the requirements that happens before and after the event will receive massive economic value in return, not to mention the image that comes with the status of being an Olympic host. But there are times when host countries are left to face overbearing economic burdens of having to maintain the infrastructures and utility systems that may never get used to their fullest potential ever again. Hosting the Olympics is, therefore, a test to a country’s management ability.
The second Shinzo Abe appeared from the green tube in the Super Mario hat at the closing ceremony of Rio 2016, we knew that Tokyo’s 2020 Olympics was going to be awesome. It’s the confidence in the fact that Japan’s pop culture has been a global phenomenon, consumed and loved by people around the world combined with the country’s cutting-edge technological ability that is second to none. But as time passes, we’ve been hearing more news about issues and obstacles surrounding Tokyo 2020, from the cancelation of the construction of Tokyo Stadium designed by Zaha Hadid, and the super cool looking logo that was accused of plagiarism, leading to a change in its design. Then the pandemic hit. COVID-19 put the entire world on hold, and the Olympics was no exception. After several postponements, there’s finally been a plan for the Olympics to finally take place in 2021. Although that comes with many special conditions and protocols, followed by rumblings from those who disagree, considering that the situation with the Corona virus hasn’t really eased off for everyone.
With the objective to send encouragement and support for athletes through art, WE ARE IN THE SAME GAME 2021 is now open for entries from creative individuals across Asia. Through the website, www.weareinthesamegame.com, artists are welcome to submit their works, which are available for viewers to download and share on their social media platforms.
While there are still a relatively small number of projects, we’ve seen works by some of Thailand’s leading artists and designers. All and all, it’s a fun collection and we’ve seen an interesting diversity of ideas being communicated with different messages and artistic styles. We really hope to see more works being submitted before the opening ceremony takes place on July 23rd, 2021. If you’re a creator who wishes to send some positive energy to cheer up the athletes who will be bringing hope and joy to the world during this tough time, don’t think twice, go ahead and do it!