11^th August 2024 Mani Menon & Beena

Hello there, dear readers. Today, I am excited to post an abstract by Mr Mani. As always, his art gets me thinking. I saw the pair of Phyrges in his art. They are the mascots for the French Olympics 2024. Phyrges caps symbolise freedom and liberty. Their motto was ” Alone, we go faster, but together we go further.” Nothing can be further from the truth in these times when the ideologies of divisiveness and nationalism are promoted.

Within Mr. Mani’s art, I see the symbols for swimming and sport climbing, two disciplines I deeply admire. Climbing, in particular, embodies intelligence, strength, resilience, and endurance. What strikes me most is the profound respect the athletes from every country show for each other despite the competitive nature of these sports. It’s a unity and respect that I often wish could extend beyond the games.

In a world that often seems divided, it’s crucial to remember the values that can bring us together. Trust and love for others are the building blocks of a safe and unified world. As the motto of this Olympics states, only together can we go further. Let us keep that motto in our daily thoughts🙏🤗.