#ParisOlympics2024 | Uproar over art calls for uncomfortable conversations

July 29, 2024 197

Contemporary Visual Artist, Ntsikelelo Mzibomvu, says the uproar over the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics Games 2024 forces society to engage in uncomfortable conversations that are critical to foster social cohesion.

Mzibomvu says such instances offer an opportunity for society to unpack the tension between modern inclusivity as well as traditional and religious values.

Friday’s opening ceremony drew the ire of Christians around the world after drag queens and dancers lined a long table in an image that some believed resembled Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper portrait of Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples.

Some Greeks have also criticised the depiction of their god of wine and pleasure, Dionysus, who was painted in blue and appeared almost naked.

The organisers have since defended the concept, saying it represented an all-inclusive world, and did not intend to disrespect anyone.

Mzibomvu says both sides of the debate need to be heard as the performance forces all groups to see how far they can go without violating each other.

The young artist says one also needs to understand that the religious groups’ frustration is also based on their proximity to the symbols used.

He believes that the Creative Director of the performance did not purposefully seek inspiration from The Last Supper, but rather borrowed from Greek mythology to integrated diverse cultural expressions.

In an interview with a French news agency, the opening ceremony director, Thomas Jolly, says he drew inspiration from both The Last Supper and Greek mythology.

According to Jolly, the scene intended to promote tolerance of different sexual and gender identities.

Despite the artist’s apology and explanation, however, some believe still believe that he overstepped his boundaries.

We won’t sit back and watch as they (Olympic games organisers France 2024) mock the Last Supper of the Lord Jesus. As Christians we STAND for Jesus and don’t take it kind when they mock our Lord and saviour. #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/4L25HYM1qp

— Rev. Chris Mathebula (@mathebula_chris) July 28, 2024

The interpretation of the Greek God Dionysus makes us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings. #Paris2024 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/FBlQNNUmvV

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 26, 2024