Breaking Barriers: Jesse Owens and the 1936 Berlin Olympics This powerful composition captures one of the most significant moments in sports and social history - Jesse Owens' triumphant performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where athletic excellence transcended political propaganda and racial hatred. The piece celebrates not only Owens' legendary four gold medals but also the remarkable friendship that developed between him and German long jumper Luz Long, who won silver in the long jump competition. The layered imagery and vintage Olympic typography evoke the historical weight of this moment, when Owens' spectacular athletic achievements directly contradicted Nazi ideology about Aryan superiority. Against Hitler's carefully orchestrated backdrop designed to showcase German racial supremacy, Owens dominated the track and field events, winning gold in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4x100 meter relay. His performances didn't just break records - they shattered the very foundations of the racist mythology the games were meant to promote. What makes this story even more compelling is the friendship between Owens and Luz Long, beautifully captured in the composition's dual figures. Despite the political tensions and racial animosity promoted by the Nazi regime, Long publicly befriended Owens, even offering advice during the long jump qualifying rounds that helped Owens advance to the finals. Their sportsmanship and mutual respect stood as a powerful counter-narrative to the hatred surrounding them, proving that human connection and athletic honor could transcend the artificial barriers of race and nationality. The artistic treatment emphasizes the timeless nature of this triumph, transforming a specific historical moment into a broader meditation on courage, excellence, and the power of sport to expose the lies of prejudice through undeniable achievement.

Name Of Artist (So You Are Searchable!)

TB Murphy

Exact Dimensions

30 X 30 X 2.5 pictured. Complete customization available to fit any budget - framed or unframed, metal, acrylic, or canvas. Contact Laurie for details.

Year Created

2023

Materials

Art Canvas Wraps are printed directly onto museum-quality canvas material using high-quality archival inks. Glossy Laminate is applied to each piece to protect the print surface. The print is then wrapped around an artist's stretcher frame.