Skip to content

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games painting revealed

Monna AboodBBC Scotland News
News imageTrivandi An abstract, expressionist painting of bright colours that show Glasgow's landmarks. There is a bridge, a crane and a statue painted amongst other abstract pictures. The painting is on an easel central to the photograph.Trivandi
The painting celebrates Glasgow's iconic landmarks

The first artwork for the 2026 Commonwealth Games has been unveiled at Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).

Ben Mosley's painting celebrates the landmarks and heritage of the city through his expressionist style.

The 4ft square canvas was painted free-hand over the course of three days and features the Duke of Wellington statue, Finnieston crane and SEC Armadillo.

Mosley has been commissioned by Trivandi, the official event delivery partner for Glasgow 2026, to be the artist in residence for the Games.

News imageTrivandi A man with a backwards cap painting, his shirt is covered in paint and he is looking at a canvas holding a paintbrush in his right hand. Trivandi
Mosley will paint live during the Games in the summer

The launch, which featured an art class, was attended by the Games' official mascot Finnie - a unicorn with a traffic cone for a horn - and young people from the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.

As well as the official artwork, Mosley will paint a series of pieces live during the Games in a bid to capture "the spirit" of Glasgow 2026.

News imageTrivandi A painting in the middle of the photograph, with a ginger woman on the left hand side in a blue shirt and white trousers and her arms crossed. On the right hand side of the painting is a man in a black shirt and dark blue jeans looking over to the right side of him and pointing. Trivandi
The painting was revealed at Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art

Mosley is also currently the official artist artist for Team GB and produced paintings for the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

He said: "My painting is a celebration of Glasgow.

"It aims to capture the spirit of the city through its iconic landmarks and unique culture, combining those with the sports represented at this year's Commonwealth Games.

"I'm really looking forward to the Games, painting live, and showing Glasgow what I do."

Adrian Lismore, chairman of the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, said: "The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are a chance to create a cultural and artistic legacy that lasts far beyond the closing ceremony.

"With Ben's work, the Games will leave Glasgow not just with memories of great performances, but with a vibrant visual depiction of the city, its people, and what was achieved here in the summer of 2026".

Glasgow previously hosted the Games in 2014 and stepped in to stage the 23rd edition after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew due to soaring costs.

The Games, which will be held from 23 July to 2 August, will feature more than 3,000 athletes from 74 participating countries.