The 2008 Olympic Landscape Sculpture Contest Exhibition comes to
New Zealand capital Wellington on Thursday.
The 110 pieces were selected from more than 2000 entries from 90
countries and regions being sending to an international
competition.
Inspired by the immortal sculptures of ancient Athens, the
Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG) organized
the competition in 2005. Artists from around the world were invited
to submit their sculpture designs, depicting some aspect of the
Olympic Games or the Olympic Movement.
From the earthy energy of The Five Elements to the gravitas of
Colossus the Olympic, the works impress people. Finely wrought in
high-quality materials such as copper and bronze, the sculptures
have a substantial heft and presence. In various styles, they are
full of imagination, demonstrating the themes of peace, friendship,
competition, harmony and progress.
Derek Fry, Wellington City Council's Director of City Services
and Events, said Wellington is fortunate to host the exhibition
about one year before the Beijing Olympics.
"We'd like to thank the Beijing Organizing Committee and the New
Zealand Olympic Committee for helping bring us this unique
exhibition. These works are a visual treat, and convey the Olympic
spirit," said Kerry Prendergast, Mayor of Wellington.
Shien Joe, exhibition organizer, told Xinhua News Agency that
the sculptures have already attracted 100 million viewers in 13
Chinese cities and in London, Seoul, Los Angeles, Rome and New
Zealand cities.
The exhibition will run until October 15, then goes to Fiji and
Chicago.
(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2007)