Hannah WILKINSON
Olympian Artist - Digital art, tattoo design: Tokyo 2020, Olympic Esports Week 2023
Olympic Games:
London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020
Football
Curtain 1 Natura non constristatur
The first symbol seen in this piece is a large wave, which represents the unfortunate arrival of COVID-19.
To the right of the wave, in the navy sky, rests the Rising Sun of Japan, representing the host of the 2020 Olympic Games.
A discus thrower, depicted from the ancient games of Olympia, readies himself for a sensational throw. He epitomises the Olympic motto – CITIUS – ALTIUS – FORTIUS: Faster – Higher – Stronger.
This is the foundation of the Olympic Games. The beginning of its evolution.
A pandemic may have changed the course of the Games, but these values are ingrained and immovable.
© Hannah Wilkinson
Curtain 2 Aut viam inveniam aut faciam
An ancient Olympia track athlete bursts into the frame, again signifying the Olympic motto – CITIUS – ALTIUS – FORTIUS: Faster – Higher – Stronger.
Physical human performance and resilience are the foundation for the Olympic Games.
The runner faces the challenge ahead; the unexpected wave of COVID-19.
Japan’s Rising Sun hangs in the background, waiting, wondering what’s next. Resilience will be tested, but it is a core value, ingrained and immovable.
© Hannah Wilkinson
Curtain 3 Fortis in arduis
The central focus is a powerful weightlifter.
The Games have evolved, expanded, become more inclusive. Women have the right to perform at the highest level.
New sports have been introduced; more innovative events to showcase the range of human ability.
Two Japanese koi fish circle in the background behind the weightlifter, symbolising perseverance in the face of adversity, resisting the flow of water, the wave – the unplanned arrival of COVID-19.
The koi serve as a reminder, behind our athletes, to work hard and persevere no matter what, in order to succeed.
© Hannah Wilkinson
Curtain 4 Conjunctis viribus
The central focus is a dynamic female footballer.
The Games have progressed even further, becoming inclusive with events that showcase abilities that not only reflect physical performance, but highlight the beauty of sport, such as the beautiful game.
The mythological Japanese dragon encircles the footballer, signifying strength and bringing luck, fortune and balance as we heal from the impact of COVID-19.
There is re-balance and re-structure after difficult times.
© Hannah Wilkinson
Curtain 5 Ad meliora
A surfer shreds into view.
The evolution of the Olympic Games has continued, and this year will feature brand new events such as surfing.
The dynamic and adaptable nature of the Games is inspirational, as all types of athletes are able to demonstrate their feats to the world.
Cherry blossoms slowly begin to bloom at the sides, representing spring – a time of revival after the major disruption of the pandemic.
© Hannah Wilkinson
Curtain 6 Ex duris gloria
The central focus is a skateboarder – evoking another brand new event to be introduced to the current Games, and further emphasising the Olympics and their innovative evolution and inclusion of diversity to showcase human capacity in unique and entertaining sports.
She rides in carrying the Olympic flame, a unique tradition symbolising the continuity between the ancient and modern Games.
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and so, in solidarity, athletes come together through the difficulties of the pandemic and celebrate staying resilient through such a battle.
“The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well” – the Olympic creed.
© Hannah Wilkinson
28-year-old Hannah Wilkinson is a member of the New Zealand national football team, where she plays as a striker.
She has been part of the national team since 2010 and has represented New Zealand at three FIFA Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020), and in many other tournaments and friendly matches.
Off the field, she’s equally passionate about art. As someone who has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember, Wilkinson has produced various artworks, including tattoo designs, ink work, digital art, paintings, and graffiti mural art. This creative side of hers provides a retreat away from the pressures of being an elite athlete.
Q&A
Being an Olympian is an enormous honour, as it means I’ve succeeded in my life-long drive to become elite in my chosen sport of football. Being an Olympian defines my approach to be the best I can in every aspect of life, including relationships, studies and my creative passions. Being an Olympian allows me to view myself as someone who will strive to be better in every way, with the hope that I can inspire others to do the same.
Olympic culture not only defines the pursuit of athletic excellence, but also the pride in representing your nation, and the importance of solidarity and unity between all global cultures.
Always be your authentic self, never listen to anyone who doubts you, and never ever give up on what you seek to achieve.
What makes me successful in my art and in my sport is the fire and passion I have for both. Each passion makes me feel alive, and I know intrinsically it was what I was meant to do. Often, being an athlete can take its toll and the pressure can seep in. When this happens, art is my retreat where I can re-balance myself.