Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth is a plinth dedicated to showcasing works of art in London. The Fourth Plinth was set up in 2005 for different works of art to take prominence in the square, following regeneration works in Trafalgar Square and the closure of the road between the square and the National Gallery to make way for pedestrians. Trafalgar Square has changed considerably over the past ten years. The square used to be home to many pigeons, but feeding them is now banned, and the square is cleaner and a place commonly used by street performers, protests, and events.
In the past, the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square hosted a variety of different works of art. It started with Marc Quinn's "Alison Lapper Pregnant" sculpture, which depicted a woman without arms in the last term of her pregnancy. This was on the flint from 2005 to 2007. Next, Thomas SchΓΌtte's "Model for a Hotel" was a large red, yellow, and blue structure that took on a different shape when viewed at different angles; this was on display from 2007 to 2009. This was followed by Antony Gormley's idea, known as "one and other" for the Fourth Plinth. This idea was to allow members of the public a spot on the plinth for a few months in 2009, and the people would be the works of art. Yinka Shonibare created "Nelson's Ship in a Bottle", which was a giant glass bottle containing a wooden ship. This celebrated the historical significance of the square and was a breath of fresh air to the items that were previously in its place. This work of art featured until earlier this year.
Currently, the artwork on display on the fourth plinth is a boy on a rocking horse, named "Powerless Structures, Fig. 101" by Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset, and it represents growing up and the boy as a hero. The artwork is a new 'take' on the common horse-and-hero statues. For more information and to listen to the artists talking about this work, visit the Fourth Plinth website: http://www.london.gov.uk/fourthplinth/commissions/shortlist2010/elmgreen-dragset
Next year, we have a giant blue rooster to look forward to in Trafalgar Square, which is a commission known as "Hahn/Cock" by Katharina Fritsch.
What do you think of the artwork on Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth?
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