The Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremony has stirred up controversy, especially with its daring artistic choices. The segment featuring drag queens in a tableau reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper" was particularly provocative. It's drawn both applause and criticism, especially from religious and conservative circles. To fully grasp this event, we need to delve into the historical, cultural, and artistic contexts that shaped it.
Historical Use of Art in Social Commentary
Art has long been a powerful tool for social commentary and challenging societal norms. Think of Picasso’s "Guernica," which depicted the horrors of war, or Goya’s "The Third of May 1808," highlighting the brutality of the conflict. Like the controversial opening ceremony segment, these works use potent imagery to provoke thought and spark dialogue about pressing social issues.
The Paris Olympic performance draws on the legacy of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, festivity, and theatre. Dionysus often represented the subversion of societal norms and the embrace of human passions and contradictions (mint) (Religion Unplugged).
Past Olympic Ceremonies and Social Justice Themes
Including social justice themes in Olympic ceremonies is not new. For instance, the London 2012 opening ceremony celebrated the U.K.'s National Health Service (NHS) and highlighted social progress through segments on the Industrial Revolution. Similarly, the Rio 2016 ceremony focused on climate change and environmental conservation, addressing global challenges through artistic expression (UPROXX) (Paris 2024 Olympics).
In Sydney 2000, the Olympics highlighted the history and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, aiming to address and acknowledge the exclusion and injustices they faced. The "Awakening" segment of the opening ceremony showcased Indigenous culture and history, celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of Australia's First Nations people (Sydney Opera House) (Australian Olympic Committee) (State of Planning in NSW).
Similarly, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics marked the first time Indigenous peoples were full partners in the planning and hosting the event. The Four Host First Nations—the Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations—were integral to the Games' organisation. This partnership was showcased during the opening ceremony, featuring traditional music, dance, and art (Paris 2024 Olympics) (Super, Natural BC) (Paris 2024 Olympics).
Cultural Significance of Drag in Paris
Paris is renowned as a global fashion capital, celebrated for its avant-garde and boundary-pushing art forms. Including drag performers in the ceremony aligns with this tradition, celebrating diversity and challenging traditional gender norms. Drag culture, rooted in subverting societal expectations, resonates with the spirit of Dionysus and the broader cultural ethos of Paris (Paris 2024 Olympics).
Artistic Freedom vs. Sensitivity
Balancing artistic freedom with cultural sensitivity is a complex task. Choosing to echo "The Last Supper" rather than a generic party scene was deliberate. It juxtaposed the sacred and the profane to provoke more profound reflection on inclusion and human conflict themes. The Paris Olympic committee explained that the scene aimed to highlight the absurdity of violence and promote a message of love and unity, using powerful and recognisable imagery to enhance its impact (mint) (Religion Unplugged) (Yahoo News - Latest News & Headlines).
Da Vinci’s Intentions and Interpretations
Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper" has Christian symbolism and theological implications. Painted between 1495 and 1498, it captures the moment Jesus announces that one of his disciples will betray him, portraying a range of human emotions. While deeply rooted in Christian symbology, da Vinci’s humanistic approach added a psychological depth that transcends pure religious interpretation (UPROXX).
Scholarly interpretations suggest that da Vinci’s innovative use of perspective and composition was not only a religious statement but also a demonstration of artistic mastery. Understanding this dual purpose helps explain why such powerful imagery was chosen for the Olympic ceremony, aiming to provoke thought and dialogue beyond immediate reactions (UPROXX).
Religious Right Reaction
The drag performance resembling "The Last Supper" in the Paris 2024 opening ceremony elicited strong reactions from the religious right, especially among Christians. Critics argued that the performance was disrespectful to Christian beliefs, accusing it of mocking a sacred event. Prominent religious figures such as Bishop Robert Barron from the U.S. described the act as a "gross mockery of the Last Supper" and reflective of a secular society that views Christianity as an adversary. Bishop Donald Hying called for fasting and prayer in response to blasphemous acts (Catholic News Agency) (Yahoo).
In Europe, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the performance, reflecting a broader sentiment among conservative political figures who saw the act as a provocative and unnecessary affront to religious sensibilities (Yahoo).
The Paris 2024 organisers defended the performance, stating that it aimed to highlight the absurdity of human violence and promote a message of love and unity through the lens of the Greek god Dionysus. They emphasised that the intention was not to mock religious beliefs but to use powerful imagery to convey a more profound message (mint) (Religion Unplugged).
Olympic Values and Inclusion
The Olympic Charter promotes values of excellence, friendship, and respect, aligning with efforts to foster inclusivity and diversity. The Paris 2024 ceremony’s controversial segment can be seen as an attempt to reflect these values, using art to challenge viewers to reconsider their perspectives on inclusion and human conflict (Paris 2024 Olympics).
The Paris 2024 Olympic opening ceremony’s controversial imagery is part of a long tradition of using art to provoke thought and address societal issues. We can foster a more nuanced and informed discussion by placing the performance within the broader context of Olympic history and artistic expression. This approach helps promote understanding and empathy, transcending immediate reactions and encouraging more profound engagement with the themes of unity and inclusion that the ceremony aimed to highlight.
Contextualising the Message in Our Work
As someone dedicated to intersectional gender diversity and human rights advocacy, this event and its reception highlight ongoing challenges and opportunities in promoting inclusivity through public platforms. The performance aligns with our core message of creating safe spaces and championing human rights. Addressing the backlash while providing historical and cultural context can bridge the gap between artistic expression and public perception, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society.
We underscore the importance of continued advocacy and education by exploring how historical art and modern performances can challenge and reshape societal norms. This approach promotes understanding and advances our mission of creating safe and inclusive spaces for all.
References
Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper
The History and Significance of Drag Culture
Olympic Charter and Values
Past Olympic Ceremonies
Australian Olympic Committee on Sydney 2000 Opening Ceremony
Vancouver 2010: Benefits for the Region, Social Cohesion and Sport