The Official Artists of the Olympics: Mark T. Smith

Mark T. Smith is the "official" artists of this summer's China Olympic games. Chosen by the U.S. Olympic Committee, Mark T. Smith was commissioned to create a painting of the summer games. Different from the norm of client-commissioned work, Smith was able to paint to what ever concept or interpretation of this international event.
In this unsteady time of U.S./China's relationship, it is hard not to assume that there is something political about this piece. Or if Smith had to paint to China's guidelines or rules. The answer is no, because Smith was picked by the U.S. Olympic Committee; thus, China's government was not involved in Smith's piece. Nevertheless, Smith does have many political things to say in his interview with AIGA.

So, if you're in Beijing or any other Olympic related area this Friday, the painting will be displayed at the presentation of the American experience in the Olympic Village.

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