First Look at London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Posters [PHOTOS]

To celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a collection of specially commissioned images by 12 of the United Kingdom's leading artists was unveiled on Friday. The visuals are a creative interpretation rendered by artists exemplifying the talent existing in the U.K.

The Olympic poster artists and their creations are Martin Creed, "Work No. 1273"; Anthea Hamilton, "Divers"; Howard Hodgkin, "Swimming"; Chris Ofili, "For the Unknown Runner"; Bridget Riley, "Rose Rose"; and Rachel Whiteread, "LOndOn 2O12." The Paralympic poster artists and their works are Fiona Banner, "Superhuman Nude"; Michael Craig-Martin, "GO"; Tracey Emin, "Birds 2012"; Gary Hume, "Capital"; Sarah Morris, "Big Ben 2012"; and Bob and Roberta Smith, "LOVE."

The official posters of the games have become a special celebration of the meeting of art and sport over the past 100 years. The London 2012 Organizing Committee (LOCOG) returned to this artistic tradition by working on a judging panel with Tate Britain and the Plus Tate Group. Elements of a high-profile campaign to promote the London 2012 games, the posters are available for purchase now and will be shown at Tate Britain in a free exhibition in conjunction with the London 2012 Festival next summer.

"We are delighted that the British artists have produced such compelling images in response to the Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Tate Director Nicholas Serota.

Take a look at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games posters here.