Five Artists Shortlisted for London's Fourth Plinth Commissions
Today, five international artists were revealed as finalists for the upcoming commissions on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, London. Their proposals, along with maquettes, will be showcased at the National Gallery until 26 March 2017. The contenders include Huma Bhabha, Damián Ortega, Heather Phillipson, Michael Rakowitz, and Raqs Media Collective. Currently, British artist David Shrigley's whimsical sculpture 'Really Good', featuring a thumbs-up, occupies the plinth. Mayor Sadiq Khan commended the diverse range of proposals, highlighting their global origins and London's welcoming spirit towards creativity. He characterized the Fourth Plinth as a platform for innovation and discussion for millions. The selected artists will be announced in March 2017, with their installations set for 2018 and 2020.
Key facts
- Proposals for the next Fourth Plinth sculpture commission were announced today.
- The shortlisted artists are Huma Bhabha, Damián Ortega, Heather Phillipson, Michael Rakowitz, and Raqs Media Collective.
- Maquettes of their proposed works are on display at the National Gallery until 26 March 2017.
- The current sculpture on the plinth is David Shrigley's 'Really Good', an absurdist thumbs-up piece.
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the proposals demonstrate how artists react differently to Trafalgar Square.
- Khan noted the shortlist includes artists from around the globe, showing London is open to creativity.
- The two selected artists will be announced in March 2017.
- Their works will be unveiled in Trafalgar Square in 2018 and 2020 respectively.
Entities
Artists
- David Shrigley
- Huma Bhabha
- Damián Ortega
- Heather Phillipson
- Michael Rakowitz
- Yinka Shonibare
- Elmgreen & Dragset
- Hans Haacke
Institutions
- National Gallery
- Raqs Media Collective
- Mayor of London
- Arts Council England
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Trafalgar Square