'A moment of grace': artist reveals inspiration behind Rio 2016 cauldron art
American Anthony Howe, noted for his kinetic wind sculptures, wanted to "replicate the sun"
The work of art forms part of the Rio 2016 Olympic Cauldron at Candelária (Photo: Rio 2016/Alex Ferro)
Visitors to the Candelária church in downtown Rio will not have failed to notice the striking kinetic sculpture in front of the Olympic flame. The work of art is, in fact, part of the Rio 2016 hybrid version of the traditional Olympic Cauldron, and will remain on display until 21 August, the final day of the Games. The artist behind the unique sculpture, Anthony Howe, is celebrated for his works of art that move through the power of the wind.
"With anything that I make, I want to transport people to a new place," said Howe. "I want to show them a moment of grace."
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Andrucha Waddington, one of the opening ceremony's creative directors, explained that the design reflects the Olympic flame, which only requires a small amount of gas. "It's quite small but has this big sculpture. It's beauty lies in the wind-driven movement."
For Fernando Meirelles, also creative director of the opening ceremony, the cauldron perfectly complements the show's environmental message:
See more of Anthony Howe's kinetic sculptures below:
