Lady in Blue statue takes its place on Fourth Plinth
Tschabalala Self's sculpture, representing a contemporary 'everywoman', will remain in Trafalgar Square until 2028.
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A nine-foot-tall bronze sculpture titled Lady in Blue by New York artist Tschabalala Self has been installed on Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth. The artwork, which depicts a young metropolitan woman, is the 16th commission for the temporary art programme that began in 1999. It replaces Mil Veces un Instante by Teresa Margolles.
A contemporary figure for a historic site
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The sculpture is cast in bronze and painted in shades of brown and blue, with the figure's jewellery echoing the colour of lapis lazuli. Artist Tschabalala Self stated her intention was to place an ordinary, contemporary Londoner on a plinth typically reserved for statues of monarchs and military commanders. She described the figure as representing an 'everywoman' walking forward with ambition and purpose, embodying the city's spirit.
Justine Simons, the deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, called the work a striking addition to the historic area. Tschabalala Self, born in New York in 1990, works across painting, printmaking, and sculpture, often using sewn and printed materials. London has played a significant role in her career, hosting her first institutional exhibition and first major commercial gallery show.
The Fourth Plinth programme
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The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square remained empty for over 150 years after funding for an equestrian statue of William IV was not secured. The temporary art programme was initiated by the RSA in 1998, with Mark Wallinger's Ecce Homo being the first installation in 1999. A new artwork has been installed approximately every two years since.
Lady in Blue is expected to remain on display until 2028. It will then be succeeded by an untitled work by artist Andra Ursuta. Following its time in London, Tschabalala Self's sculpture is scheduled for permanent installation in Fornebu, Norway. The Fourth Plinth programme is funded by the Mayor of London, with support from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Questions this report answers
+What is Lady in Blue?
Lady in Blue is a nine-foot-tall bronze sculpture by New York artist Tschabalala Self. It depicts a contemporary 'everywoman' and has been installed on Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth as part of a temporary art programme.
+How long will Lady in Blue be in Trafalgar Square?
The sculpture Lady in Blue is expected to remain on Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth until 2028. It will then be replaced by a work from artist Andra Ursuta.
+Who commissioned Lady in Blue?
Lady in Blue is the 16th artwork commissioned for Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth. The commissioning programme began in 1999 and is funded by the Mayor of London with support from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
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