ENGLISH TEXTS
IN THE EYE OF
ZEUS
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A Gallop Across France The supreme god of Greek mythology, Zeus continued to shine over Paris during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games through the latest creation from Atelier blam: a dazzling horse made of aluminum and silver leaf— a feat of technological engineering— that galloped across the water in front of over a billion spectators and viewers. A clever blend of metal hammering and 3D printing that explores monumentality and the passage of time, it draws inspiration from the work of Eadweard Muybridge, the renowned photographer known for his studies of motion, and Charles Ray, a leading figure in contemporary American sculpture.
Created in utmost secrecy in the heart of Nantes, within a workshop specializing in design and architecture, the fascinating steed is the result of the collaboration between Aurélien Meyer, artistic director of Atelier blam who designed it; Théo Bechtold, a mechanical engineer who developed the galloping movement; and Maël Bourseul, the workshop manager who constructed the body. Combining technology and imagination, Zeus stands 1.80 meters tall at the withers and weighs 287 kilos, embodying strength and hope.
A symbol of scientific and artistic innovation, Zeus is inspired by the myth of Sequana and made his debut on the ocean aboard a semi-submersible trimaran. This vessel accomplished another impressive feat: towing Zeus at speeds up to 20 knots( 37 km / h) over six kilometers during the ceremony, all while remaining invisible. The work was carried out by Breton company MMProcess, founded by Madeg Ciret-Le Cosquer and Morgane Suquart, who became its loyal partner for the event. To meet the tight deadline, two teams worked day and night for a year, resulting in four innovative technology projects. Another challenge awaits Morgane: to set a new world sailing speed record( 120 km / h over 500 meters). Zeus, meanwhile, has resumed his grand journey across France to promote the Olympic values of resilience, excellence, and solidarity. After the Court of Versailles, his Tour de France— launched by his owner, Sanofi- includes stops in Montpellier, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Rouen, Frankfurt in Germany, Mont- Saint-Michel, and finally Nantes, his birthplace. These new arenas for expression are cities near Sanofi sites-a global healthcare company— or iconic heritage landmarks, such as Versailles or Mont-Saint-Michel.
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The question first arose in the mind of mathematician Alan Turing in the 1950s: could a computer one day think, and not merely imitate( the imitation game)? Today, the answer seems to be taking shape at full gallop, no longer confined to science fiction or secret labs. The European Parliament defines Artificial Intelligence, or AI, as the ability for a machine to replicate human behaviors such as reasoning, planning and even creativity. AI has become omnipresent across the globe, permeating every aspect of daily life— healthcare, finance, culture, sport … And the news keeps confirming it: at the latest AI Action Summit held in Paris this February, investment announcements came thick and fast, and innovations continue to roll in, revealing a world hurtling forward in its technological acceleration. Sport, in particular, has quickly embraced this new era. From football pitches to NBA courts, through rug-
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