“Ring of Unity – Circle Of Inclusion II: Reconsidering Sisyphus” John van Alstine – 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Sculpture Proposal

SEVERAL LEVELS OF INTERPRETATION My proposed sculpture takes its clue and builds upon the symbolism embodied in the familiar Olympic emblem - 5 circles representing the five inhabited continents, interlocked representing world harmony and unity.

   “Ring of Unity – Circle Of Inclusion II; reconsidering Sisyphus”, bronze and stone

Ring of Unity – Circle Of Inclusion II: Reconsidering Sisyphus” , combines the elements of this positive core Olympic ideal and distills it down into one large “all inclusive” bronze circle. Growing from its center is a dynamic ascending diagonal element which can be interpreted in several ways, adding layers of meaning and richness to the sculpture.

SLOPE: major player in the winter games

First, and perhaps most obvious, this inclined element can be viewed as the slope that is at the very heart of many of the winter events. One might even see it as a primary, almost living character of the games that will challenge the athletes, whether propelling them downhill – skiers, slider and bobsledders; or in the case of cross-country racers and Biathlon athletes challenging them with both descent and well as ascent .

GREEK CONNECTION : "Reconsidering Sisyphus" - Olympic parallels and Camus' positive prospective

As the Olympics have their origin in ancient Greece, so does one aspect of my proposal. Ring of Unity – Circle Of Inclusion II : Reconsidering Sisyphus” is an extension of my ongoing sculptural series entitled "Sisyphean Circles". The central idea is based on the Greek mythological character Sisyphus who was forced to roll a large stone up a steep hill, which tumbles back down when it reaches the top. The process is never ending, lasting all eternity. Albert Camus, the mid-20 th century French existentialist, in his essay "Reconsidering Sisyphus" used this myth to illustrate his much more positive idea that reaching one final destination is not always the most important, but rather it is the struggle or journey of getting there that is ultimately the most meaningful.

Similarly, the Olympic athletes can not all win the gold metals, and this indeed is not ultimately the most important goal. It is rather their journey, their endless days and years of training, their personal struggle to do their best - it is this personal triumph coupled with each participant gaining a greater understanding and empathy of other peoples and cultures, that in the end, is the paramount Olympic victory and I believe is beautifully symbolized in this proposed sculpture.

Possible site: Zhangjiakou Zone

SCALE AND MATERIALS :

Proposed height: 6+ meter (could vary depending on venue demands)

Materials: bronze and smooth riverstone** **( I prefer real stone, but realize may have to substitute other material for this element if weight and structure become a concern.)

Preferred Location : Makes best connection to any of the slope propelled event sites.

                                                                      “Ring of Unity – Circle Of Inclusion I: Reconsidering Sisyphus”, bronze and smooth riverstone proposed height: 6 meters or more

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