'Artiade' - Bringing art and athletics together
by Kresta Tyler Johnson
'Artiade' is a Non-Governmental Organisation from Germany, which seeks to recognise the historical Hellenic ties between art and athletics. Since the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, exhibitions have been held at each of the Olympic Games. The 'tradition of the ancient Greek contests (was) in the first millennium BCE, where artists and athletes appeared together as 'technitai' - virtuosi who represented two facets of a common culture. From the fifth century BCE the Olympic Games also featured exhibitions of paintings, with prizes awarded to the artists'.
This synthesis of disciplines is attempting to be revived through the 'Artiade' exhibition. A variety of international artists were selected with the intent of representing the diversity of the Olympic ideals. This year three South African artists were selected.
An international group of diverse jurors selected the final participants for the 2004 'Artiade'. The primary criterion for selection was a uniqueness of expression that sought to foster a deeper understanding of the breadth of the cultures represented. Out of 4500 entries from 120 nations, 172 artists were eventually selected to participate in the final exhibition.
The three South Africans are Lambert Moraloki, Brigitte Hertell and Paul du Toit. All three have developed international reputations and embody different qualities of art practice within South Africa today.
Moraloki is largely produces sculpture and Hertell painting, yet it is likely the two will be working together. They have been collaborating since 1992, when they developed the 'Ipopeng Art Project'. Both Moraloki and Hertell were recognised at the Osaka Triennial, winning the grand prize in 2001 with Marginal Sanctuaries.
The other entrant is self-taught artist Paul du Toit. Du Toit began his art career in 1997 after leaving his job as a software developer. He is a prolific artist that has developed a signature style of whimsical, colourful images in a variety of media, from wood and steel to large impasto paintings.
Du Toit creates an imaginary world he dubs planetpaul that consumes viewers. Having recently completed a successful show in New York, he will have a solo exhibition in Cape Town early next year.
'Plato considered art and athletics to be gifts from the gods, and the unity of art and sport can also be interpreted as part of this same religious world-view.' These three South African artists will certainly be making their imprint when the 'Artiade' exhibition opens in Athens this month.
