French artist Bernar Venet has unveiled a monumental sculpture at the Olympic Aquatic Center in Saint-Denis, Northern Paris, ahead of the 2024 Olympics.
The Corten steel sculpture, titled Convergence: 54.5° Arc x 14 (2024), is the only monumental work created on the occasion of the 2024 Olympics and stands 18 meters (60 feet) tall, weighing approximately 40 tons. It features 14 vertical arcs and is intended to represent the Olympic Flame. “The work will leave us with a lasting memory of this very great moment of pride,” said Mathieu Hanotin, mayor of Saint-Denis, who led the ceremony alongside Métropole du Grand Paris president Patrick Ollier. “The Games undeniably shine a spotlight on the city of Saint-Denis, awakening a sense of belonging and pride in our residents. This monumental work very well symbolizes this magnificent feeling,” he added.
Venet, a prominent figure in the Minimalist and Conceptual movements in the late 20th century, described his sculpture as a testament to the metropolitan area’s cultural heritage, aiming to leave a lasting impression on the landscape and its viewers. Moreover, the sculpture is intended to represent the act of disparate parts and designs coming together, symbolic of the Olympic Games. “My decision to opt for the Arcs this time allowed me to move towards what I wanted from my first sketches, that is to say, flexible elements that embrace, connect, and harmonize like in an open alliance in the aerial space of this spectacular Olympic site,” said the artist.
The unveiling takes place as preparations for the Olympic games in Paris intensify. On July 26th, the Olympic torch relay will pass the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Northern Paris, as well as sites including the Olympic Village, the Olympic Aquatic Center, and Venet’s sculpture. It is set to reach the banks of the Seine for the grand opening ceremony that evening.
