Sir Howard Hodgkin's "Ice" commissioned as official print of Team GB for Sochi 2014

By Gary Anderson

December 1 - The British Olympic Association (BOA) has revealed the official print for Team GB at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics which is called "Ice" and has been created by renowned artist Sir Howard Hodgkin.

The limited edition print is an abstract image of sweeping, spiralling brushstrokes evoking both a winter landscape and the energy of winter sports, according to the BOA.

The print will be available in a strictly limited number of 350 signed copies priced at £1,000 ($1,650/€1,210).

This represents the second Games in-a-row that Turner prize winner Hodgkin has been commissioned by the BOA to create an official work after he produced his piece "Swimming" for the London 2012 Olympics.

Known for his bright colours and bold forms, Hodgkin's semi-abstract paintings and prints are often compared to the work of renowned French artist Henri Matisse.

He represented Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1984, won the Turner Prize in 1985, and was knighted in 1992.

He has had major exhibitions in museums all around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Reina Sofia in Madrid, and Tate Britain in London.

Sir Howard Hodgkin created Swimming for London 2012 ©Counter Editions

Hodgkin joins artists such as David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Tracey Emin and Chris Ofili who have produced works for Olympic Games.

"Ice" is published by London-based fine art print publisher Counter Editions, which collaborated on his London 2012 creation and works with leading contemporary artists such as Bridget Riley and John Baldessari to create affordable limited edition artworks.

To purchase one of the limited edition "Ice" prints from Counter Editions click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]

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