Clementine STONEY MACONACHIE (AUS)
Olympian Artist – Sculpture: Paris 2024
Olympic swimmer and former world record-holder Clementine Stoney Maconachie is a sculptor living in Sydney, Australia, who works predominantly with metals, wood and stone.
She strives to find beauty, simplicity and softness through organic lines and shapes. Her six sculptures presented in this exhibition are inspired by sport, movement and the Olympic values of excellence, respect, friendship and fair play.
“I have taken inspiration from artists like Henri Matisse, Jean Arp and Constantin Brancuși, and also some of my own previous sculptures. I wanted to create something that was true to my art practice and aesthetic whilst incorporating sport, movement and the Olympic values."
"Through these works I aim to express the joy and grace of movement and balance. I wanted to create something that will bring people together – artworks that people can walk around and that inspire curiosity. The sculptures are either made using sustainable materials or made from materials recycled in my studio. They will continue their life after the Games so as not to produce waste.”
ARTISTIC PROJECT
A Fine Balance, 2024
Higher, 2024 - Together, 2024 - Stronger, 2024
Reach, 2024
Questions and answers
What parallels do you see between the practice of sport and art?
I see quite a lot of parallels between the practise of sport and art.
Both require commitment and dedication. Both practises require time and effort to build your skill and hone your technique.
In swimming I was always very focused on technique and the process feeling each stroke through the water and In art I find that same immersion in the process being closely aware how my body moves in response to the water in swimming and in response to the material in my art.
Both my time as an athlete and my current practise as a sculptor is very physical and centred around movement and being present in that moment.
Both create a community and are a form of expression.
How are both of these endeavours important to you?
I have been so lucky in my life to have found two passions and careers that I love so much. Both swimming and making art have given me a sense of purpose, joy and achievement.
Swimming gave me so much independence and taught me so much responsibility I learnt so much about myself, the world and others and meet so many incredible people.
Both swimming and art are important to me as they have been a way to connect to people, build a community and hopefully have brought some beauty or joy into the world.
To you personally, what does being an Olympian mean – how does it define your approach to life and how you view yourself and the world?
Being an Olympian means holding yourself to a high standard, pursing excellence, being honourable, respectful and kind.
I see myself in the world the same way I always have. Perhaps being an Olympian can make other people see you in a different light and with that comes a responsibility honour the olympic values.
I think for me being an olympian is also about keeping an open mind, being kind, curious caring and always striving to be your best version of yourself.
meet the artists
Olympian Artists at Paris 2024
