The highly anticipated Round of 16 for men’s and women’s beach volleyball at the 2024 Paris Olympics is set to take place at the iconic Eiffel Tower Stadium on Sunday, August 4, 2024. Fans eager to witness the thrilling matches can tune in to various platforms, including DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, SlingTV, and Peacock TV, or catch the action on the USA Network.
In the lead-up to this event, British painter Peter Spens has been commissioned by the International Volleyball Federation to capture the essence of beach volleyball through his art. Positioned at the last and highest row of the stands, Spens has a breathtaking view of the beach volleyball court against the backdrop of the magnificent Eiffel Tower. This unique vantage point presents a significant challenge for the artist, as he aims to convey the spirit of the event on a single canvas.
While photographers rely on capturing specific moments through their lenses, Spens takes a different approach. He describes his work as a “collage of moments,” aiming to bring back the essence of the event through his brushstrokes. In a society saturated with phone images, Spens believes in the power of painting to evoke emotions and connect with the world outside oneself.
Despite the scorching heat, Spens has dedicated himself to his painting, working tirelessly from morning until night. As the days progress, the silhouettes of spectators, players, and the Eiffel Tower emerge on the canvas. The final details of the painting will come to life as the Olympic Games reach their climax and the winning team is decided.
Spens, who has previously painted beach volleyball scenes at the London and Rio Olympics, expresses his admiration for the sport and the teamwork it embodies. He considers himself old-fashioned in an era dominated by technology and artificial intelligence but remains confident in the value of his work.
As fans eagerly await the Round of 16 matches, Spens’ painting serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty and excitement of live sports. The event promises to showcase the world’s best beach volleyball players, competing fiercely to secure a spot in the final.