Pivotal moments in Indian Olympic history commemorated through art in Paris

Even as Indian athletes were competing in the Olympic Village in Paris, on August 9, many were being celebrated through Indian art at the 7th Arrondissement Town Hall in Paris in an event organised by the JSW Group that commemorated India at the Olympics over the years — from now to 1920, when three Indian athletes set sail on the SS Mantua to participate in the Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium.

Among others was a canvas by Paris-based Indian artist Sujata Bajaj that saw the coming together of the Indian flag and the Olympic rings. “There is an explicit play on both flags (France and India) as strong hues of orange, green, blue, white, and red have a prevalent place. The universality of the Olympic message is mirrored within the fill of the circles themselves, where the fluidity of the colours suggests world maps as seen from distant outer space,” states Bajaj.

Artwork of the Olympic Torch and Wreath made with embroidery.

Within the central circle is the Ashoka chakra, and the hints of metallic sheen in gold, silver and bronze discreetly represent the medals at the sporting events. “French and Indian cultures both emphatically celebrate tradition and heritage while also welcoming the ever-changing modernity. It is this common commitment which is the main inspiration behind my painting,” adds Bajaj.

Featuring works commissioned by Sangita Jindal, chairperson of JSW Foundation, the event also saw the unveiling of three hand-embroidered creations by artisans of the Chanakya School of Craft, under the guidance of creative director Karishma Swali. Made using diverse materials and needlepoint techniques, the works in the series ‘Citius—Altius—Fortius’ commemorate pivotal moments in Indian Olympic history — including Sakshi Malik’s bronze in wrestling at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and Neeraj Chopra’s gold in javelin at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Artworks showcasing Neeraj Chopra’s gold in javelin at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics (Left), and Sakshi Malik’s bronze in wrestling at the 2016 Rio Olympics. (Right)

Blending vivid tones and colours, the stitch work includes techniques such as couching, bullion knots, running stitch, crochet, and stem stitch, complemented by carpet-weaving methods like hand-knotting and hand-tufting.

In a release, Swali states, “The fluid silhouettes and vibrant colours embody the dynamic energy and disciplined elegance of sports while also reflecting the nuanced, intricate beauty of the craft. This synthesis captures the spirit of movement and the delicate balance of artistry, conveying a deep appreciation for the human form and the stories of resilience it carries.”

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