Friday 7 February 2014

A thumbs up for the winner of the 2016 4th Plinth Commission

I have to say I am always intrigued by what will end up on the 4th plinth in Trafalgar square and I was excited to hear the announcement of the 2015 and 2016 winners.

Next year this privilidged position will be filled by the german painter and conceptual artist Hans Haacke.



This is not my favorite of the two winners, not because I don't find it an intriguing work rather that I really love the entry for 2016.

It is a work by David Shrigley one of the 2013 Turner prize nominees and the subject of a solo exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in 2012. His works have a deliberately comical and playful nature to them, typified by his Turner prize entry exhibited in Derry~Londonderry last year. This comprised an unusually proportioned plastic life model that peed into a bucket and around whom were set up chairs and easels encouraging the visitors to draw him in whatever fashion they so desired. Although his piece did not win the coveted award it drew a lot of attention and made the news.



His design for the 4th plinth is a giant thumbs up. It will blend in with the other sculptures in the square only in as far as it echoes the use of the traditional bronze material used for the rest of the sculptures. Aside from this nod to tradition the piece will undoubtedly jump out at the viewer. The sculpture is entitled 'Really Good' and is intended as a reaction against the pervading gloom of current climate (economic, political, meteorological take your pick). I don't see how you could look up at this giant work and resist a cheeky smile and none of us will be any the poorer for that.


If you would like to see some other 4th Plinth oldies but goodies then click here.

Shrigley's website: http://www.davidshrigley.com/

Wednesday 5 February 2014

Poetic Pairing: February

Sunday Paul Signac 1889-90 Private Collection

Home is the place your heart resides
Home is the place that you decide
Home is the womb that holds the soul
Home is the place where one is whole

Home is the glow you hold in your eye
Home is the emotion that makes you cry
Home is safe and a place of peace
Home is where all strivings cease

Home is protective against the others
Home is full of sisters and brothers
Home is where you find your rest
Home is where you feel your best

Home is a memory that follows your being
Home is a dream for those agreeing
Home is the place where reserves fall
Home is the place you yearn to call

Home is where the family meets
Home is a place of restful retreats
Home is the place you know you’ll be heard
Home is the pace where nothing blurs

Home is all these wonderful things
Home is the place you develop wings
Home is the place that you’ll find one day
Home is the place where your heart will stay 

Aisha Patterson