American multi-disciplinary artist Tschabalala Self and Romanian sculptor Andra Ursuţa have won the next commissions for London's Fourth Plinth, which is regarded as one of the most prestigious and sought-after contemporary art platforms in the UK.
Self and Ursuţa will have their works unveiled on the plinth that stands at Trafalgar Square in 2026 and 2028, respectively, two years from the recent announcement by The Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group.
Among the running for the honor were artists Chila Burman, Gabriel Chaile, Ruth Ewan, Veronica Ryan, and Thomas J. Price.
Panelists from the group chaired by Ekow Eshun comprising the likes of artist Jeremy Deller were the ones who picked the two winners. This decision was also informed through public consultation alongside the panel's insights.
Tschabalala Self's 'Lady in Blue'
Self's winning piece, according to her previous statement on the project, is an "homage to a young, metropolitan woman of color who could be just one of many Londoners today." This is in line with Self's goal of representing the modern "everywoman" on the prestigious Fourth Plinth.
In a 2020 interview with The Art Newspaper, Self delved into the vision involved in her extraordinary works depicting predominantly Black and female figures.
She added that her work both reinforces through acceptance and challenges through astonishment the "collective fantasies and assumptions surrounding the Black female body.
The artwork, which is cast in bronze, will undergo patination until a Lapis Lazuli blue is achieved ahead of its exhibition at Trafalgar Square, this decision is because of the tint's historical significance and symbolic echoing of the works by masters like Titian and Vermeer.
Andra Ursuţa 'Untitled'
On the other hand, Ursuţa's triumphant artwork depicts a life-sized and hollowed-out figure on horseback obscured by a "cloak" of translucent and green-hued resin.
The sculpture itself evokes mystery and an almost unnerving feeling, with the depiction of the equestrian intended to spawn conversations surrounding contentions about the perceived righteousness of artwork in public spaces and what should be standing therein.
"My work deals with history; history makes sense of us as we try to make sense of it," said Ursuţa in a statement regarding her recent win. "Trafalgar Square is a place where multiple histories face one another in an open-ended standoff."
"It will never be finished," said the artist. "This is such a crucial, and beautiful, accident."
Maquettes of all the shortlisted artists' works were available for viewing until just last Thursday, March 17. That said, virtual exhibitions can be accessed online and through Bloomberg Connects. You can view the pieces by clicking here.
