Is Visual Art Still Important?
If not art, what else would we see visual value in?
The question of visual art's appeal and relevance has once again been answered with strong approval, as the 2024 Paris Olympics take over Europe.
2024 Olympic poster designer, Ugo Gattoni, has shown that using vibrant colours which enhance an overhead map of France's Capital will grab eyes and capture hearts - as art was intended to do.
In the early days of the Olympics, posters were more than just eye-catching artwork; they were essential tools for spreading the word about the Games. With radio and television still in their infancy, posters provided vital information to the public. As the decades rolled by, the number of posters exploded, mirroring the growing global reach of the Olympics.
These artistic creations became a canvas for reflecting the times, capturing the spirit of each era and showcasing the diverse cultures of the host nations. The Olympic Studies Centre even suggests that posters not only announce the Games but also offer a sneak peek into their visual identity.
With the latest Paris 2024 poster, for example, Gattoni has created a mesmerising world filled with intricate details, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a dreamlike Olympic experience. His inclusion of an athlete and the Olympic dove beautifully symbolises the spirit of unity and peace that the Games embody.
French artist Ugo Gattoni looks at the official posters of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games he made, at Orsay Museum in Paris. Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images
So where do antique prints fit into this world of modern art, as captured by Gattoni?
As with all the prints available on from Antiquarian Print Shop, there is an inherit warmth and homeliness to decorating a space with maps, prints, and other artwork - a way to make a space unique and add a sense of belonging.
From their humble beginnings as practical announcements to their current status as coveted collectibles, Olympic posters in particular have evolved into powerful works of art that capture the imagination and inspire generations.
In addition to that, all of the collections on the Antiquarian store, much like Gattoni's work, feature no Artificial Intelligence (AI) input - a relief to purists everywhere.
Want to begin growing your own artistic collection? Antiquarian Print Shop offers both original and custom reproduction prints, from the early 1700s to today.
