Colour as Material: Commissioning Sculpture with Lasting Presence
CommissionIt, an art commissioning agency located in the UK, has released a guide focused on the commissioning of colored sculptures, asserting that color is a fundamental aspect of the artwork's design. The guide outlines three public exhibitions set for 2026: 'Hepworth in Colour' at The Courtauld (12 June–6 September), an outdoor installation of Jesús Rafael Soto's 'Pénétrable BBL Jaune' at Serpentine, and Tschabalala Self's 'Lady in Blue' on London's Fourth Plinth (10 September). It recommends making color choices during the conceptual phase and discusses finishing methods, emphasizing the significance of physical samples, lighting, scale, and maintenance. Budgeting and program planning are also addressed, highlighting that various factors affect costs and that staged approvals are essential. The article concludes with a FAQ section and an invitation to utilize CommissionIt's services.
Key facts
- The Courtauld's 'Hepworth in Colour' runs from 12 June to 6 September 2026.
- Serpentine presents Jesús Rafael Soto's 'Pénétrable BBL Jaune' outdoors.
- Tschabalala Self's 'Lady in Blue' will be unveiled on the Fourth Plinth on 10 September 2026.
- Colour should be considered during concept development, not added later.
- Finishes include paint, powder coating, vitreous enamel, ceramic glaze, resin pigment, and metal patina.
- Physical samples are essential for colour approval; digital visuals are unreliable.
- Light, scale, and surrounding materials affect colour perception.
- Maintenance and repair should be planned, with a handover package including drawings, materials, and cleaning instructions.
Entities
Artists
- Barbara Hepworth
- Jesús Rafael Soto
- Tschabalala Self
Institutions
- The Courtauld
- Serpentine Galleries
- London City Hall
- CommissionIt
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom