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Anorak News | The ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture suits the Mr Messy Olympics (photos)

The ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture suits the Mr Messy Olympics (photos)

by | 11th, May 2012

THE ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture, as designed by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, has been opened at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Park. The big squiggle, that demented Mr Messy, is sponsored by ArcelorMittal, the huge steel company. The idea, presumably, is to open up new markets to steel stuff by making people imagine what else can be made with steel. It’s not just for big machines and pots. Steel can make art. It can. Because the one big thing the £12bn London Games lacks is anything lastingly unique. It’s just the same old corporate bilge. Close your eyes at the Olympics park and inhale the smells of McDonald’s and Coca Cola.

The stadium doesn’t even want to remain as it is. It’s the identikit global all-purpose, changeable arena. It could be anywhere in the world and fit into the sponsors’ monoculture. London gets the big mess because it needs it. It shows the future where the London Games of 2012 took place.

That’s right, the big event was once staged by West Ham’s new half-empty ground and well away from all of London’s best bits. But not to worry, if you get to the upper decks’ viewing platforms, you can see them if you gaze towards the setting sun…

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A view of the Olympic Stadium from the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture during the official unveiling at the Olympic Park, London, Friday May 11, 2012. The steel sculpture designed by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond stands 114.5 meters (376ft) high. 63% of of the sculpture is recycled steel and incorporates the five Olympic rings. (AP Photo/Tim Hales)



Posted: 11th, May 2012 | In: Sports Comment | TrackBack | Permalink