Hannah WILKINSON (NZL)

Olympian Artist – Digital art, tattoo design, ink, graffiti: Tokyo 2020, Olympic Esports Week 2023

Hannah Wilkinson is a member of the New Zealand national football team, where she plays as a striker.

She has been part of the national team since 2010 and has represented New Zealand at three FIFA Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020), and in many other tournaments and friendly matches.

Off the pitch, she’s equally passionate about art. As someone who has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember, Hannah has produced various artworks, including tattoo designs, ink work, paintings, digital art and graffiti murals. This creative side of hers provides a retreat from the pressures of being an elite athlete.

ARTISTIC PROJECT

Curtain 1 Natura non constristatur

The first symbol seen in this piece is a large wave, which represents the arrival of COVID-19. To the right of the wave, against the navy sky, we see the Rising Sun of Japan, representing the host of the 2020 Olympic Games. A discus thrower, straight from the Ancient Games of Olympia, readies himself for a throw. He epitomises the Olympic motto: faster, higher, stronger. This is the very essence of the Olympic Games The beginning of their history. A pandemic may have changed the course of the Games, but these values are ingrained and immovable. © Hannah Wilkinson

Curtain 2 Aut viam inveniam aut faciam

A track athlete from the Ancient Games bursts into the frame, again signifying the Olympic motto: faster, higher, stronger. Physical human performance and resilience are the foundation for the Olympic Games. The runner faces the challenge ahead; the unexpected wave of COVID-19. Japan’s Rising Sun hangs in the background, waiting, wondering what’s next. Resilience will be tested, but it is a core value, ingrained and immovable. © Hannah Wilkinson

Curtain 3 Fortis in arduis

The central subject is a powerful weightlifter. The Games have evolved, expanded, become more inclusive. Women have the right to perform at the highest level, new sports have been introduced. Two Japanese koi circle in the background behind the weightlifter, symbolising perseverance in the face of adversity, resisting the flow of water, the wave – the unexpected arrival of COVID-19. The koi serve as a reminder, behind our athletes, to work hard and persevere no matter what, in order to succeed. © Hannah Wilkinson

Curtain 4 Conjunctis viribus

IThe central subject is a female footballer in motion. The Games have progressed even further, becoming inclusive with events that showcase abilities that not only reflect physical performance, but highlight the beauty of sport, such as the Beautiful Game. The mythological Japanese dragon encircles the footballer, signifying strength and bringing luck, fortune and balance as we heal from the impact of COVID-19. There is re-balance and re-structure after difficult times. © Hannah Wilkinson

Curtain 5 Ad meliora

A surfer shreds into view. The evolution of the Olympic Games has continued, and this year will feature brand new events such as surfing. The dynamic and adaptable nature of the Games is a source of inspiration, as all types of athletes are able to demonstrate their feats to the world. Cherry blossoms slowly begin to bloom at the sides, representing spring – a time of revival after the major disruption of the pandemic. © Hannah Wilkinson

Curtain 6 Ex duris gloria

The central subject is a skateboarder, emphasising the evolution of the Olympics and inclusion of diversity to showcase human ability in unique and entertaining sports. She rides in carrying the Olympic flame, a unique tradition symbolising the continuity between the Ancient and Modern Games. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and so, in solidarity, athletes come together through the difficulties of the pandemic and celebrate staying resilient through the struggles it entailed. © Hannah Wilkinson

Questions and answers

What does being an Olympian mean to you personally?

Being an Olympian is an enormous honour, as it means I’ve succeeded in my life-long drive to become elite in my chosen sport of football. Being an Olympian defines my approach to be the best I can be in every aspect of life, including relationships, studies and my creative passions. Being an Olympian allows me to view myself as someone who will strive to be better in every way, in the hope that I can inspire others to do the same.

When we talk about “Olympic culture”, what does that mean to you? How do you explain to people that the Olympic Games are more than just a sports competition?

Olympic culture not only defines the pursuit of athletic excellence, but also the pride in representing your country, and the importance of solidarity and unity between all the cultures of the world.

If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Always be your authentic self, never listen to anyone who doubts you and never, ever give up on what you want to achieve.

Are there parallels in your approach to your art and your approach to your sport? Or do you find that the two dimensions bring/brought out totally different sides of your personality?

What makes me successful in my art and in my sport is the passion I have for both. Each passion makes me feel alive, and I know intrinsically it was what I was meant to do. Often, being an athlete can take its toll and the pressure can seep in. When that happens, art is my retreat where I go to re-balance myself.

Olympian Artists at Olympic Esports Week Singapore 2023

The Olympic Museum invited Olympian Artist Hannah Wilkinson to create ten original works to mark the first Olympic Esports Week in Singapore.