In the Rings with Ali

The In the Rings with Ali exhibition is currently being shown at Forman’s Smokehouse Gallery, London, showcasing some of Muhammad’s Ali’s most memorable moments in his illustrious career.  The display has been put on to celebrate the year of both his 70^th birthday (17^thJanuary) and the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.  In honour of this event, Muhammad Ali’s brother, Rahaman opened the exhibition.

The legendary boxer is of course one of the world’s all-time favourite athletes.  In 1960, Ali won a gold medal in Rome and lit the Olympic Cauldron in 1996 in Atlanta.  He remains a symbol for what the historic Olympic Games stand for, and it is appropriate that the exhibition’s location overlooks the main Olympic stadium.

There are a variety of images remembering Ali’s iconic career at every stage of his life.  In addition, the exhibition portrays Ali’s humanitarian work throughout his life. In the Rings with Ali is truly an amazing exhibit and it provides more than just images of his iconic career. On the staircase leading up to the exhibit, there are quotes along the walls that remind everyone of Ali’s ambitions and personality.  Some of the quotes promoting the exhibit include: “Champions aren’t made in gyms.  Champions are made from something they have deep inside of them: a desire, a dream, a vision”, “The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up,” and “I wish people would love everybody else the way they love me.  It would be a better world.”

All of the artwork of the In the Rings with Ali exhibition will be for sale. The prices are very high but a percentage of the profits will be donated to Amnesty International, Parkinson’s Research (Ali has Parkinson’s Disease), and to a local boxing club in East London.  The photographers and artists demonstrating their work in In the Rings with Ali are some of the greatest in the world.  Christina Jansen, who first met and photographed Ali in 1986, is the project leader in this exhibition.  The exhibition took two years to bring all the artists and photographers together to showcase this extraordinary exhibit.  

In the Rings with Ali is open now until 26^th July, and then again from 13^th August to 30^th September.  It is open Thursday and Friday 5pm–9pm, and Saturday and Sunday 12pm–5pm.  The exhibition is great and is a must-see for Muhammad Ali and boxing fans.  In addition, Forman’s Smokehouse Gallery offers delicious food (especially salmon) and drinks.  

Clifton Graves

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