Olympic helmets become mobile artworks at Milano Cortina 2026
During the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, helmets used in skeleton, hockey, and other fast-paced sports will be reimagined as dynamic pieces of art, acting as mobile canvases that express narratives and identities. Measuring between 25–30 cm in height and 20–25 cm in width, these helmets are adorned directly with high-resistance acrylics and automotive paints on carbon fiber or polycarbonate. Federations and the IOC impose color limitations. A standout is Iryna Prots’ design for Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, showcasing portraits of over twenty athletes who perished in the 2022 conflict, alongside Federica Brignone’s tiger-themed helmet by MartiDesign. These creations reflect the athletes' identities and are intended for experience rather than preservation.
Key facts
- Helmets at Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are being used as mobile artworks.
- Helmets measure about 25–30 cm in height and 20–25 cm in width.
- Artistic process includes sanding, priming, airbrush, high-resistance acrylics, and automotive paints.
- Color and iconographic constraints are imposed by federations and the IOC.
- Iryna Prots signed the helmet of Ukrainian skeletonist Vladyslav Heraskevych, depicting over twenty fallen Ukrainian athletes and technicians.
- Federica Brignone's tiger helmet was designed by MartiDesign.
- Examples include Kim Jisoo's talchum mask, Kellie Delka's blue and green eye, Josip Brusic's smoke and maple leaf design, Valentina Margaglio's Italian-Ivorian geometries, and Connor Hellebuyck's raptor.
- Authorship is absorbed by the athlete, making them the signing body of the work.
Entities
Artists
- Iryna Prots
- MartiDesign
Institutions
- International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- Artribune
Locations
- Milano
- Cortina
- Italy
- Ukraine
- South Korea
- Puerto Rico
- Canada
- Ivory Coast
- United States