Wu Weishan(China)

Roger / 2008 / bronze / height:200 cm

Work from the 3rd Beijing Biennale

Sigit Raharjo(Indonesia)

The Means of A Medal / 2007 / oil on canvas / 140cm×120cm

Work from the 3rd Beijing Biennale

Carole A.Feuerman(USA)

Survival of Sarena / aqua resin, oil / 200cm×97cm×185cm

Work from the 3rd Beijing Biennale

Hua Qimin(China)

Chinese Red / 2007 / color on paper / 188cm×178cm

Work from the 3rd Beijing Biennale

Sports are the strong light of life shining in the Olympic flame, whereas arts are bright colors of life glowing in artistic inspirations. Developed from Colors and the Olympics, the theme of the 3rd BIAB in 2008 when the Beijing Olympic Games was held, the Light of Life focuses on the pandemic-fighting and Olympic spirits, as well as the value, dignity, power and glory of human lives. A variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations and videos, are created to pursue contemporary arts with distinctive features. These works aim at praising winter-sport athletes who challenge themselves in sports events and depicting the charm of Beijing and other cities that have held the Winter Olympics. They portray the appeal of speed and beauty in winter sports, eulogize medical workers who fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and reflect upon the common future of human beings and the ultimate meaning of life. More importantly, they,use arts to make the pure soul “cleaner, more humane and more united” 

Wang Ziqi(China)

Harmony and the Olympics in China / 2007 / oil on canvas / 143cm×123cm

Work from the 3rd Beijing Biennale

Toni Pecoraro(Italy)

Colonna Olimpica / 2007 / aquatint etching / 53cm×38cm×2

Work from the 3rd Beijing Biennale

Vinicio Verzieri(Italy)

Fuoco / 2007 / carta fotografica / 38cm×20.3cm

Work from the 3rd Beijing Biennale

Joko Apridinoto(Indonesia)

Spirit and Beauty / 2007 / acrylic on canvas / 120cm×150cm

Work from the 3rd Beijing Biennale

There are ancient and modern Olympic Games. Ancient Olympic Games originated from competitions in ancient Greece. With a history of 1168 years from 776 B.C. to 394 A.D., it was held for 293 sessions. The Olympic Games is named after Olympia, a place where the first ancient Olympics was held in 776 B.C.. It is located 300 kilometers southwest to Athens, capital of Greece, and is on the west of the Peloponnese peninsula and north bank of the Alpheus River. As the year 776 B.C. was a leap year, it was stipulated that the Olympics be held every four years, a time period that is still used today. 

Relics of Ancient Greek Competitions

Relics of the Ancient Olympic Games in Western Peloponnese Peninsula

In 1883, French educator Baron Pierre de Coubertin put forward the idea of hosting sports competitions like the ancient Olympic Games and spread it to the entire world. By visiting all European countries, he advocated Olympic ideas and called for the revival of the Olympic Games. His concerted efforts led to the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a decision made by Coubertin and 79 representatives from 12 countries on June 23rd, 1894. Demetrius Vikelas and Coubertin, the-then IOC President and Secretary General respectively, designed emblem and flag for the Olympics, opening a new chapter of the modern Olympic Games.

 Emblem and Flag of the Modern Olympic Games

The first modern Games was held in Athens, Greece from April 6th to 15th in 1896, with the participation of 311 athletes from 14 countries. The second session saw women athletes for the first time, which was a breakthrough in the history of the modern Olympics. It continued to develop in the 20th Century. The first Winter Olympics was held in Chamonix in 1924, the first Paralympics in 1960, the first Winter Paralympics in 1976, the first Youth Olympics in 2010 and the first Winter Youth Olympics in 2012. Today, modern Olympics has altogether ten projects, including Summer and Winter Olympics, Paralympics, Special Olympics and Youth Olympics.

Athens Olympic Games in 1896

Poster of the Athens Olympic Games in 1896

Cycling at the First Modern Olympic Games

Female athletes took part in the Olympic Games for the first time at the Second Session.

The first Winter Olympic Games was held at Chamonix, France in 1924. This picture shows Swiss athletes competing in bobsleigh. 

The First Winter Olympic Games, initially known as the International Winter Sports Week, was held in 1924. 

The Chinese delegation participated in the Olympic Games for the first time in 1932, when it was held at Los Angeles, the United States.

British archer Margaret Maughan took the first gold for Britain at the first Paralympic Games held at Rome in 1960.

Emblem of the First Winter Paralympic Games held at Ornskoldsvik, Sweden in 1976

The Chinese delegation attended the Winter Olympics for the first time in 1980, when it was held at Lake Placid, the United States.

Emblem of the First Youth Olympic Games in 2010

Opening Ceremony of the First Youth Olympic Games in 2010

Emblem of the First Winter Youth Olympic Games Held at Innsbruck in 2012

Yoggl, Mascot of the First Winter Youth Olympic Games Held at Innsbruck in 2012

Opening Ceremony of the First Winter Youth Olympic Games Held at Innsbruck in 2012