Things That Have Made Me Feel Something: Olympics ‘24
As a lover of sports , every four years I look forward to the Olympic games. From the high flyers of gymnastics to the high jumpers of track and field, it brings me great joy to dive into the many competitions being broadcasted to us fans across the globe. It’s a time where I am introduced to athletes of sports that I don’t consume on a regular basis. Beach volleyball, track cycling, archery, diving, shooting, climbing, and a plethora of other sporting events painted the pixels of my tv screen in vibrant hues and vigorous emotion. But it is not the athletes themselves that I want to focus on. (Trust me, there is enough media currently out, giving their opinions on the athletic performances.)
I am more enamoured with the people at the top of their game outside of the sanctioned competitions. Over the past few weeks it has brought me great pleasure to witness how artists from a wide array of mediums, have interpreted the games and/or contributed to them. Now that the Paris Olympics have come to a close, I want to highlight some of the things that made me feel something:
[in no particular order]
1) A Friend Named Cousin, an art exhibition curated by Joe Freshgoods in collaboration with New Balance
Held during the earlier half of the Paris Olympics Joseph Robinson aka Joe Freshgoods hosted a five day event including an art exhibition, panel conversations, artist workshops, and an exclusive gift shop in partnership with New Balance. The art exhibition included work from Goldie Williams, Jewel Ham, Jahlil Nzinga, Banga Minthe, Teoni, and RELLO.
Along with the art pieces that explored themes of familial connections that transcend blood relations and the intricacies of cultivating chosen family and community. Joe also exclusively released his “Paris Red” & “Prom Blue” JFG New Balance 990V6 shoes.
I wanted to feature this exhibition on my list because I admire Joe and his work so much. He does such an amazing job articulating what it means to be a great creator, curator and collaborator. He pulls from the past highlighting nuanced stories and feelings, while still recognizing the present and the broader Black American experience. He is from Chicago and I am from Charlotte, yet I also feel so touched by his storytelling.
I also appreciate his ability to activate during larger cultural moments. He is showing me that we can take up these spaces and do it in our own way. I’ve never heard or seen a black-centric art exhibition held during the Olympics, but now that I have, my mind has expanded in the best way.
2) PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES 2024 Documented by GOLDIE WILLIAMS VERICAIN
As we know, photography plays a huge role in the Olympics coverage. Moments that occur are cemented into global history, and in today’s age with a sea of lenses at work, everyone is trying to get their work seen. I discovered quite a few amazing photos, but it was the work of Goldie Williams Vericain that really caught my attention. (And before you ask, yes this is the same artist that was featured in Joe Freshgoods’ exhibition, but I discovered his work seperately before I put two and two together.)
Throughout the games I noticed a lot of photographers using longer exposure rates to communicate motion, and emotion. But I wanted to highlight this work specifically because of the use of black and white, and the grainy texture on the image.
The B&W photos remind me of ink on a paper, and if you have been here long enough you know that I am obsessed with print. I can feel the power and strength radiating through the images. They feel real almost like I can touch them. The baton pass specifically resonated with me because it illustrates teamwork and community, which are both principles that a shared among the Black diaspora.
3) Nike Basketball Commercial Starring KD written by Courtney Fields
Growing up the Olympics always felt so far away from me. I hadn’t been recognized as an extraordinary athletic talent, and I didn’t have the drive or discipline to prove anyone wrong. So subconsciously I assumed that I would need to take over the world in a different way to have a hand in the games, but that later proved not to be true. I still haven’t completed anyone work in relation to the games, but one of my close friends did, making me only one degree of separation away and extremely inspired.
My friend Courtney Fields is responsible for writing the copy for Nike Basketball’s commercial saluting Kevin Durant on becoming USA Basketball’s all time leading scorer. Voiced by Deion Sanders we know Nike has a way with words, and this video was no different. 5 lines, that packed a punch and left no room for question of whether or not KD is a competitor to fear. The words felt a bit erie, which was quite interesting considering it was a celebratory post. The contrast gave it texture and further emphasized that you don’t get the nickname the Slim Reaper for no reason.
I am so proud of Courtney’s pen and am inspired to keep being intentional with my words, in my chosen writing style, beyond the Olympic games.
4) New York Times Animated Track Simulations
This year track and field was nothing short of a show. From photo moments and finishes that left us on the edge of our seats with racing hearts, to broken world records, upsets, and last minute dropouts. I honestly didn’t think there was anything else that could captivate me more in regards to the competition, until I seen The New York Times animated track simulations.
Demonstrating various events including those that were decided in photo finishes like the women’s 100-meter hurdles final and the men’s 100-meter dash, these fun videos were unlike any other recap that I seen by a publication during the games. They were a fun take on the races and somewhat reminded me of the Nintendo wii games. Even though I watched many of the track events live, I still waited with anticipation to see NYT’s illustration because they we not only fun, but informative.
view on Instagram
5) Stolen Arts “Striplymics” Belt
Last Olympics I came across Don Prophete Jr.’s Bamboo Tokyo design, where he replaced the Olympic rings with bamboo earrings, as a way to honor the black female athletes qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. Inspired by Sha’carri Richardson & Hip-Hop culture, when I first seen the design I was instantly fascinated and a bit envious I hadn’t thought of it first.
Now 4 years later I feel similar sentiments to Stolen Arts “Striplympics” belt, worn by Kai Cenat. A fashion brand by Designer NOLOVESCOTT, this belt feels very Southern 2000’s coded and I can’t get enough of it. It’s gaudy and borderline raunchy design feels very now, but also kisses the fashion trends that came before us.
The Stolen Arts’ brand isn’t new to using the fashion accessory as a canvas to tell a greater story and/or participate in what is currently trending. I appreciate the unique take on the rings and see parallels between the belt and the earrings. I don’t think I will ever get enough of my people replacing the Olympic rings as a form of expression, because each time it has exemplified how creative we can get with a central theme. I have seen quite a few fashionable looks over the past few weeks, but this one stood out to me the most.
Get a closer look at the belt HERE
6) USA Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Leotards by GK Elite
As a girl who has always loved the glamour of gymnastics it was only right that I feature GK Elite’s USA Women’s Gymnastics Leotards. I came across Episode 5 of their Made In The USA video series after being dazzled by the wardrobe of the team. In this episode they sat down with the design team including Design Director; Jeanne Diaz, and Custom Gymnastics Designers; Emily Oropollo, Macy Bell, and Sarah Farnsler.
They spoke to their efforts to connect the Parisian fashion culture to the American gymnastics program and how at the center of it all lived functionality. They also highlighted the attention to details as it related to the many hand placed crystals that decorated the garments. Their execution gave new life to the American flag & colors. Plus the use of gold directly tied back to what we know to be the gymnastics dynasty that America has built over the many Olympic games. I appreciated that their work was intentional and crafted to shine under the big lights and give our team the most confidence when preparing to bring home the gold.
After watching the video I later learned that they also released a collection of replicas for other gymnasts of all levels and sizes to rock the same look. It is this kind of forward thinking and communal application that elevate brands when the world beyond the sports community is looking in.
7) Simone Biles Mock Nike Ad Campaign by Landon Khiry
Even when you are not on the payroll (yet) global events like the Olympics, and major brands like Nike can serve as a great exercise for those looking to flex their artistic muscle. Back in 2020 I found much enjoyment in creating Mock Nike ads at home during the height of the pandemic. These days I have found creative expression in other art forms and themes, but this Olympic games I was reminded of that joy through Landon Khiry’s Simone Biles Mock Nike Ad Campaign.
Titled, “don’t get your dreams twisted” Landon uses a combination of illusions and surrealist art forms to illustrate Simone’s incredible athleticism. Inspired by the works of Octavio Ocampo, MF Doom, and his own previous work, Landon’s ads are bold, striking, and so intricate that it continues to reveal something new with every look.
I am not joking when I say that I gasped when I first saw the post. These ads are the perfect blend of nostalgic advertising with an eccentric futuristic take. They don’t feel like they’ve been done before, but they nod at the iconic Nike branding that we have come to know and love.
I will always have a deep admiration for those who create and share simply because they want to or have something to say. That level of drive is needed more than ever & it doesn’t go unnoticed.
8) 2024 Team Liberia Uniforms by Telfar
Over the Olympic games I seen quite a few well crafted, future-forward uniforms and outfitting from various countries outside of the USA. But Telfar was in a lane all on their own.
Let’s talk about sleek, sexy, powerful, and memorable. Everytime I spotted a Telfar piece no thread was left unchecked. I didn’t think that they could top the Tokyo 2020 uniforms, but the certainly did; by elevating them.
In the opening ceremony they sported long gowns with Africa shaped necklines that sent many viewers into a frenzy. (I included) The use of the color black made them stand out against the colorful, print heavy designs of many of the other countries present. Additionally Telfar took to their Instagram where they also wore various fiery red garments and once again I fell to my knees enormed with the mix of modern and retroism.
The track uniforms with their spaghetti straps, mesh panelling, and asymmetrical designs had me drooling at my screen as the runners took their marks. When I think about Black futurism as it relates to fashion this is what I mean. It’s unlike anything we have ever seen in regards to sports fashion, but at the same time I see trends and styles of the past in the garments. And to top it all off the video they created to highlight the uniforms also highlighted various cultural movements and moments symbolizing that at the end of the day it’s bigger than the clothing.
9)Kith for USA Basketball at Four Seasons Hotel George V
Ronnie Fieg has one of the coolest jobs in the world. He gets to work at the intersection of fashion and basketball, and I am always so enthralled with what he has his hand in. He has utilized his brand Kith to bridge legacy brands and global moments to bring new merchandise, concepts, and experiences to the world.
For this Olympic games, Kith collaborated with USA Basketball to create a collection that called back to the iconic vintage 90’s dream team aesthetic. To commemorate the moment, they transformed the Four Seasons Hotel George V courtyard into a basketball court and concept space for people to view the collection.
I wanted to highlight this space because I not only love the execution of this court, but I am also a fan of the brand. I love seeing Ronnie’s interpretation of the premium basketball experience through various channels. Seeing things like this makes me want to think deeper about where and how Soular Lab or any of my collaborators could show up in the world. These things are not exclusive to Kith if we don’t let them be.
Basically I am saying that I will activate more, & when I do it could be anything and bring anyone, company or institution together. The sky is truly the limit.
Check out the full tour of the court and concept store HERE
10) Jordan Chiles For Teen Vogue’s July/August 2024 Cover
Last but certainly not least, Jordan Chiles, the woman on everyone’s minds, made and is still making me feel something post Olympic games. Photographed by Erica Snyder, the striking shot of her in a red monochromatic outfit in the middle of a dimly lit theatre staged as a gym, holding a heel stretch above the title “Jordan Chiles Crowd Pleaser” immediately caught my attention and sent me flocking to the Teen Vogue cover story.
Before getting into the story, I skimmed through the mesmerizing photos of her in various looks styled by Karissa Mitchell. The combination of high and low pieces that draped her body, gave me the vibe that though she is competing in a sport that values the sleek and polished, she is also a bold young woman that isn’t afraid of taking risks, having fun, and serving face.
Written by Ayanna Ishamel this story is one that paints a vivid picture of who Jordan Chiles is and how she came to be. It talks about her as a girl turned young woman, her family and her relationship to them, as well as her evolution in the sport of gymnastics.
What now stands out to me the most in the wake of her bronze medal in the floor exercise final being stripped away, is her quote about dealing with racism and having a medal taken away before. It reads, “I’ve gotten medals taken away from me. I’ve been told that my mom wasn’t my mom. I’ve gotten told that I wasn’t Black.” It fills me with rage to continuously see Black women and girls be denied our identity, treated like second class citizens and be discarded of, despite our unwavering support and continuous contributions to the world.
I will say, that I am glad she was given that platform to vocalize her truth and hopefully it will illuminate the other girls and women in and outside of the sport around the world with similar experiences. To know that they are not what they have been through, but that their experiences are real
Pieces like this from publications like Teen Vogue, written by Black women about Black women is such an phenomenal thing to see and feel.
Read the full article HERE
I hope this list implores you to explore and expand.
Thank you!