French judoka Blandine Pont, also artist at self-created Atelier Felieno, is exhibiting "PORTRAITS 2024" at La Samaritaine, conceived in collaboration with the Data Scientist at INSEP and Data Designer Jeremy Wanner.

This series of artistic pieces merges the realms of digital art, science, a hand-weaving method known as tufting that uses a special gun, and sports to create abstract and symbolic portraits of French athletes.
out for yourself!

Among the 13 high-level performers who agreed to take part in this audacious endeavor are Florent Manaudou, Antoine Dupont, Marie Patouillet and Carlota Dudek. Their responses to an online questionnaire are converted into drawings before being embroidered onto objects related to each athlete's specialty. This one-of-a-kind combination brings together these two very different disciplines!

At Samaritaine, the bonds forged between these champions, the general public, and art are showcased in works that form an eye-popping visual of the delicate balancing act between design and sports.

July 16 marked the opening night, where visitors had the chance to try their hand at tufting on small frames, while a "form library" – available for the duration of the exhibition – clarifies the artist's reference layout that pairs shapes and responses. Finally, a QR code will enable you to complete the questionnaire, which will create your own portrait and allow you to download it. So, which athlete do you resemble the most?

Three questions for Blandine Pont

As both judoka and artist, how have both roles been rewarding to you?

"I plan my time meticulously. When I need a breather, I do art. It helps me to stop overthinking and tap into my creative flow. Art has been key to understanding that sports are also creative outlets because you need to know how to outdo your opponents. Sports combat is like a blank page waiting to happen."

How would you describe your artistic approach?

"I set my gallery up in my home. I work using a large frame upon which I stretch my canvas, before drawing my designs onto it and then creating my rugs with the tufting gun. I've got skeins of yarn in a range of colors, and I listen to a lot of music! Pop Art, abstract forms, and bright, vivid colors are my go-tos. You'll come across these in all of my pieces. It's a way of sharing my sources of inspiration and thought process. "

What kinds of reactions are you hoping to trigger during the exhibition at Samaritaine?

"First and foremost, opening people's eyes to what this French team is all about! We're out to show who the athletes are behind each specialty. Secondly, we'd like folks to just soak up the moment, marvel at the wonder of it all, and let their imagination do the rest!"

Exhibition on view at Voyage on the 5th floor through September 8.