Antony Gormley’s new work in London is the project "One and Other," which sees the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square occupied for 100 consecutive days, 24 hours a day, by members of the public who have volunteered to stand on it for an hour at a time. 
This is really an incredible thing, being that the plinths are normally reserved for royalty, and famous servicemen, Generals and the like. I think the idea behind One and Other is not just to represent one person, but to represent humanity.
The people chosen are allowed to do whatever they like on the plinth, whatever it is that they think will provoke a reaction, or what they think represents themselves.
You can observe the plinth via webcam on the website, just click here.
I think this is a fantastic project, allowing the public to catch just a glimpse of what makes someone else tick. I think that this is a project that will be celebrated, as I can imagine Gormley putting a massive variety of people on the plinth. In the spirit of humanity, I have also entered the draw to stand for an hour, so hopefully I will get a go!
I was originally against this project as I see Trafalger Square as sacred ground for the military. But then the more I thought about it the more I realised that it is the place for British Heroes from all walks of life. Trafalger Square holds the greatest military commanders, it's seen the biggest marches for freedom and liberty, it's seen Britains greatest sports stars welcomed home. Why shouldn't the fourth plinth be given to the public to express whatever the hell they like. It shows how diverse, how multicultural and how publicly aware London is as a city.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post Tash... what did you say you would do????
Completely agree, we should be celebrating the fact that so many different people cross paths and live simultaneous, completely different lives!
ReplyDeleteI've given a bit of thought to what I would do... as this is supposed to be an insight into humanity, I thought about giving the public a small insight into what makes me tick, reading out my favourite poem or short story, playing my favourite song or showing my favourite movie are all things that have crossed my mind!
How about you?