The new installation to sit on top of the fourth plinth at Trafalgar Square was unveiled yesterday. Well, given that the plinth was meant to be for an equestrian statue that never got finished in 1841 the two artists responsible have given the whole thing an interesting twist….Nelson would have turned in his grave no doubt.
“Powerless Structures” is the name. It’s a golden bronze boy sitting astride a rocking horse – somehow a terribly Victorian image but surprising nevertheless. Conservative but unexpected. The artists wanted to convey vulnerability and a different image of the symbol of power – a hero simply being a child growing up and getting on in life – not a war hero. Just a child.
I can’t decide if I like it or not. Am giving it some thought – which is perhaps what it is designed to do – make you think….What do you think?
February 24th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
hmmm jury’s out right now. I can see where it’s coming from but given the state of things currently etc I think a good war hero is precisely what we needed on th eplinth to give us a sense of pride, I know london is teaming with them but maybe a modern hero.
February 24th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Jury is still out.
February 26th, 2012 at 8:49 am
I like it. It is simple. It isn’t trying to shock. It harks back to what should have been there in the first place and it’s not permanent. I think knowing that each sculpture allows for the public interest and commentary to keep flowing.