Double Pendulum

Faisal Abdu’Allah is a London based-artist. In 2012, they were commissioned by the London Olympics to produce a film which explores the breathe, movements and lungs of athletes.

The short film follows the training rituals of an athlete, a martial arts specialist and a footballer. Their training routine is weaved into a narrative from health scientists who explain the impact the high prevalence of asthma in elite athletes. London, like most cities in the world, has air pollution levels that are above what the World Health Organisation deems to be safe.

Focusing on the sensorium of inward and outward breath, Abdu’Allah reminds us that our right to exercise is intertwined with a battle for liveable, breathable, clean air. The film was screened during the Olympics, and as part of workshops with local communities, to raise awareness of this issue in the context of sport and fitness.