Artistic program of the Olympic opening ceremonies
The importance of the artistic component of the opening ceremonies goes beyond just national identity and culture of a host nation. International perceptions and reactions to the artistic component are taken into consideration during planning. How international audiences respond can indicate the acceptance of the host nation by other nations.[1] Every host nation aims to greet and impress an international audience, in order to try and stay at the forefront of the world's admiration and attention.[2][3]
History[edit]
The artistic program of the Olympic opening ceremonies is used to depict and foster national identity and culture.[1] As listed in the Olympic Charter, the expression of universal ideas of humanism and peaceful internationalism must be a part of the artistic component in addition to the expression of the host nation's identity and culture. Historically filled with traditions; the host nation tries to present their artistic program in a creative and transformative way.[4]
Artistic elements[edit]
Technology[edit]
Lighting has become a big proponent of technology ever since Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympics and held its opening ceremony in the evening. Lighting maximizes the visual impact of the program.[2]
- In Athens 2004, a luminous javelin was thrown slowly across the stadium by a holographic centaur.[2]
- Use of LED lights was first introduced in Beijing 2008. At the start of the ceremony, 2,008 drummers had drums embedded with an LED screen. Each drummer had glowing drumsticks that were used to count down the official opening of the ceremony, in addition to synchronizing power and music into one grand ritualistic movement.[2][3][5]
Through the use of digital technology, lighting can be used as a metaphor of hope, innocence, and the discovery of human knowledge for all those watch or participate in the opening ceremonies.[2]
Symbolic originality[edit]
The Olympic Charter requires host nations to maintain traditions set forth by the Ancient Greeks. How a host nation presents the traditions is represented through symbols. For example, the Olympic rings are an important symbol and logo for the Olympics. The way in which a host nation presents them has become the central moment of the opening ceremonies. Before the rings are revealed, usually there is a brief moment of silence.[2]
- In the 1988 Seoul Olympics and in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, performers formed the rings by waving colored fabrics.[2]
- In the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, cheerleaders revealed the rings.[2]
- In the 2000 Sydney Olympics, galloping horses created the Olympic rings.[2]
Across the globe, the Olympic rings have become a vital logo. The rings' revilement during the opening ceremonies is an important part of the artistic program. Therefore, it is imperative for the organizing committee to successfully introduce this iconic symbol.[2]
Appealing enchantment and whimsicalness[edit]
The artistic program is designed to set aside differences between countries and negativity through softness and whimsy. Balloons and floral arrangements have been used as mollifying signs.[2]
- During the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the multi colored arrangement of the rama de flores from Rambla created an imaginative creation.[2]
- The 1988 Seoul Olympics featured a flower dance for peace. Women wore long sleeves with large white cloths.[2]
In terms of whimsy, a playful creation can also be used to appeal to a wide range of audiences. Typically, the use of children and childlike motifs help to create this sense of dreaming. Mascots have also been used.[2]
- In the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the opening section was entitled, "Deep Sea Dreaming". A group of amateur scuba divers flipped their way across the stadium in a comical manner to simulate a child's dream.[2]
Musical grandeur[edit]
Music can be used as a powerful tool to manipulate emotions and impact international views of a nation. Music has symbolic importance, by linking culture to identity. For example, Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" has become associated with the Olympics. Drum rolls and heraldic cornets are used to introduce the heads of state and the beginnings of national anthems. Percussion and drums take the musical grandeur to its most basic and effective level. Drums have been used in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the 2004 Athens Olympics, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.[5] Therefore, musical grandeur has become woven into artistic programs, because it seduces, stuns, and introduces foreign audiences to national and cultural sounds.[2]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Xu, Xin (2006), "Modernizing China in the Olympic Spotlight: China's National Identity and the 2008 Beijing Olympiad", The Editorial Board of the Sociological Review: 90–107 Check date values in:
|year= / |date= mismatch(help) - ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 Arning, Chris (2013), "Soft Power, Ideology and Symbolic Manipulation in Summer Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies: A Semiotic Analysis", Social Semiotics, 23 (4): 523–544, doi:10.1080/10350330.2013.799008
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lawson, Francesca R.S. (2011), "Music in Ritual and Ritual in Music: A Virtual Viewer's Perceptions about Liminality, Functionality, and Mediatization in the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games", Asian Music, 42 (2): 3–18, doi:10.1353/amu.2011.0015
- ↑ Traganou, Jilly (2010), "National Narratives in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games", Journal of Sport & Social Issues, 34: 236–251, doi:10.1177/0193723509360217
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Opening Ceremony- Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games on YouTube
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