An installation view of Peter, Tommie & John / reliving the dream by Stewart Russell at Shepparton Art Museum.
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Shepparton Art Museum
United States gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowed down to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, who won gold, during the floor exercise final medal ceremony at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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It was history made before our eyes.
It was arguably one of the most iconic photographs at the Olympics.
And with the world watching on with praise and pride, it was a testament to the progress made in racial equality.
However, not too long ago, another Olympic podium moment was captured that did not receive the same applause, and it has become the focal point of Melbourne artist Stewart Russell’s latest work.
Now showing at Shepparton Art Museum, Peter, Tommie & John / reliving the dream is a large-scale textile installation that explores one of the most influential political acts against racism of the 20th century.
The exhibit centres on the historical stand taken by African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos and Australian athlete Peter Norman at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico following their record-breaking 200m final.
In a moment of silent defiance, Smith and Carlos stood with heads bowed and black-gloved fists raised high, their Black Power salute a stark reminder of the racial injustices plaguing their nation.
Less known is the support shown by Norman, who stood by them wearing the ‘Olympic Project for Human Rights’ badge, an organisation set up to oppose racism in sport.
Australian athlete Peter Norman and African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico following the 200m final. Source: AP Photo/File
The act scandalised the Olympics, and Smith and Carlos were sent home and banned from the Olympics for life.
However, they returned to the US as heroes of the civil rights movement for sacrificing their personal glory for the cause.
The same can’t be said for Norman’s homecoming.
He was considered a pariah in Australia, facing unofficial sanctions and ridicule, and he never competed in the Olympics again.
Russell’s thought-provoking installation delves into the personal struggles and political repercussions faced by the athletes after their protest.
Utilising images and transcriptions from interviews with Norman, who died in 2006, the artist captures the enduring kinship among the trio despite the ongoing societal ramifications they faced.
“These new works from Stewart Russell are a timely tribute to the extraordinary actions of Peter Norman and his personal sacrifice to a cause he believed in,” SAM acting artistic director Danny Lacy said.
“As we enjoy the 2024 Paris Olympics, we encourage our community to visit SAM, reflect on Peter’s words and experiences, and learn more about a little-known moment in Australian sporting history.”
Peter, Tommie & John / reliving the dream by Stewart Russell is on display at Shepparton Art Museum, 530 Wyndham St, Shepparton.
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