02/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/19/2024 10:48
The seven artists shortlisted for the next Fourth Plinth commissions in 2026 and 2028 have been announced today. Chila Kumari Singh Burman; Gabriel Chaile; Ruth Ewan; Thomas J Price; Veronica Ryan; Tschabalala Self and Andra Ursuţa have created maquettes of their proposed artworks which are on display at the National Gallery until 17 March 2024.
The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square is one of the most important art commissions worldwide, putting new work by internationally renowned artists into the heart of London. This year marks 25 years since the first work, Ecce Homo by Mark Wallinger, was unveiled in 1999. 14 works have been displayed on the iconic site to date, with Samson Kambalu's Antelope currently in situ.
The shortlisted proposals are:
The proposals will also be available to view online and on Bloomberg Connects, a free app that allows users to access museums, galleries and cultural spaces around the world anytime, anywhere. The public are invited to have their say about the proposed artworks, which will inform the decision of the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group when selecting the two winning sculptures. The two winning works will be announced in March 2024 and installed on the Fourth Plinth in 2026 and 2028 respectively.
Improntas (Imprints) by Teresa Margolles has already been announced as the next sculpture on the Fourth Plinth in September 2024. The work is made up of plaster casts of the faces of hundreds of trans people which will be arranged around the plinth in the form of a Tzompantli, a skull rack from Mesoamerican civilisations. The work will begin to naturally erode whilst on the Fourth Plinth, with the detail of the faces slowly fading as the plaster is exposed to London's weather. The work is a tribute to a transgender woman called Karla who was murdered in Mexico in 2016, and stands for the rights of trans communities worldwide.
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture, Creative Industries and 24hr London Team, said:
"The Fourth Plinth is renowned across the globe for bringing world-class contemporary art to the heart of London. I'm delighted that our shortlisted artists have provided such thought-provoking pieces. For 25 years the sculptures on the Fourth Plinth have sparked interest and debate - bringing out the art critic in everybody. I've no doubt that these proposals will continue that fantastic tradition."
Ekow Eshun, Chair of the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, said:
"On behalf of the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, I would like to thank the artists for taking the time to consider this unique commission so carefully. There is an incredible group of works on show today, and we look forward to hearing the public's thoughts on these proposals."
Dr Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, said:
"The Fourth Plinth is located just a few yards from the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, and I am delighted that we can host the exhibition of the shortlisted artists' proposals in the Gallery. It is important that we find ways to encourage the public to look at and become interested in art, whether it's the great pictures in our museums or new art in public spaces, and I would encourage the public to have their say on these exciting proposals."
Jemma Read, Global Head of Corporate Philanthropy at Bloomberg LP, said:
"The Fourth Plinth celebrates London's global influences and provides a unique platform to consider our shared future. At the 25th anniversary of this iconic commission, we're delighted to see a shortlist of such thought-provoking work which speaks to our capital's diverse history. We're proud to support the Mayor of London to bring these proposals to people across London, and to enable communities around the world to get involved through the Bloomberg Connects guide."
The Fourth Plinth is funded by the Mayor of London with support from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
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Listings Information:
The Fourth Plinth Commission Shortlist
The National Gallery
Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
19 February - 17 March 2024
The works are available to view online at www.london.gov.uk/vote-fourth-plinth
Press Enquiries:
Erica Bolton / Lara Delaney, Bolton & Quinn
[email protected]/ [email protected]/ 020 7221 5000
Notes To Editors
The Fourth Plinth was initiated by the RSA in 1998 and is now one of the most important art commissions in the world. In 1999 responsibility for Trafalgar Square was transferred to the Mayor of London, and the Fourth Plinth Programme is now led by the Mayor's Culture Team, under the guidance of the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group.
Funded by the Mayor of London with support from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the programme invites world-class artists to make new work for Trafalgar Square. An established part of London's public landscape, it brings out the art critic in everyone.
The Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group
Iwona Blazwick - Independent Curator and Curator Emerita Whitechapel Gallery
Mick Brundle - Principal, Arup Associates
Jeremy Deller - Artist
Ekow Eshun - Writer, Broadcaster (Chair)
Priyesh Mistry - Associate Curator, Modern and Contemporary Projects, The National Gallery
Eleanor Pinfield - Director, Art on the Underground
Justine Simons - Deputy Mayor for Culture, Creative Industries and 24hr London Team Matthew Slotover - Publisher and Co-founder Frieze
Jon Snow - Broadcaster
Sabine Unamun - Director, Visual Arts and Museums, London, Arts Council England
Fourth Plinth Commissions
1999: Ecce Homo by Mark Wallinger
2000: Regardless of History by Bill Woodrow
2001: Monument by Dame Rachel Whiteread
2005: Alison Lapper Pregnant by Marc Quinn
2007: Model for a Hotel by Thomas Schuette
2009: One & Other by Sir Antony Gormley OBE
2010: Nelson's Ship in a Bottle by Yinka Shonibare CBE
2012: Powerless Structures, Fig 101 by Elmgreen & Dragset
2013: Hahn/Cock by Katharina Fritsch
2015: Gift Horse by Hans Haacke
2016: Really Good by David Shrigley OBE
2018: The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist by Michael Rakowitz
2020: THE END by Heather Phillipson
2022: Antelope by Samson Kambalu
About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organisation focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg's giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org,sign up for our newsletter,or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.
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