In ”Football City, Art United,’ Artists and Athletes Reimagine the Beautiful Game

Summary

Football City, Art United, a new group exhibition in Manchester, pairs legendary footballers with 11 contemporary artists to create all-new artworks inspired by their love of the game.
Staged at Aviva Studios, the show brings together the efforts of Factory International, alongside Hans Ulrich Obrist, Juan Mata and Josh Wilding as co-curators.

Though art and sports might seem to travel separate paths – one in the creative sanctum of a studio and the other on the dynamic field – they share a common beat driven by ambition, dedication, and innate sense. Both these realms not only provide us with a vocabulary for comprehending life’s complexities, but also teach us how to navigate through it gracefully.

In Manchester, there’s an exciting new exhibition called “Football City, Art United.” This event pairs 11 international athletes with contemporary artists. Through their collaborations, they create unique pieces that explore not just what happens on the football field but also its emotional, cultural, and political impact, reinventing the concept of the Beautiful Game.

The exhibition, titled “Aviva Studios by OMA,” is housed within the industrial interior and was a collaborative effort among footballer Juan Mata, curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, and filmmaker Josh Wilding. This extensive display encompasses painting, video, live performances, architectural modifications, and interactive installations, showcasing various artistic mediums.

Key points are:

1. “The Playmaker,” an interactive stadium designed by Stefano Boeri, Sandro Mazzola, and Eduardo Terrazas, showcases Mazzola’s renowned footwork in striking geometric patterns.
2. Alvaro Barrington and Raí’s artwork titled “The Field (after Raí)” transforms the stadium into an abstract form.
3. Paul Pfeiffer and Edgar Davids’ installation, “Crowds and Power, creates a sonic-light atmosphere that reflects the tension between the locker room and the stadium.
4. Outside of the venue, Rose Wylie paints practice shots of English defender Lotte Wubben-Moy in vibrant colors across billboards, spreading them onto the streets.

One significant feature is “The Playmaker,” an innovative stadium conceptualized by Stefano Boeri and collaborators Sandro Mazzola and Eduardo Terrazas, featuring Mazzola’s famous moves portrayed dramatically in geometric space. Alvaro Barrington and Raí’s work “The Field (after Raí)” translates the stadium into an abstract representation. Meanwhile, Paul Pfeiffer and Edgar Davids’ installation titled “Crowds and Power” generates a sonic-light experience that captures the tension between the locker room and the stadium. Beyond the venue, Rose Wylie depicts practice shots of English defender Lotte Wubben-Moy in vivid hues on billboards, spreading them across the streets.

The exhibition titled “Football City, Art United” is currently open for viewing until August 24, 2025. Visit Factory International’s website to buy tickets and get more information about the showcased artworks.

Aviva Studios
Water St,
Manchester M3 4JQ,
United Kingdom

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