Norwegian-Danish artists Ingar Dragset and Michael Elmgreen have been short listed for the new Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square with their brass sculpture of a boy on a rocking horse, which is now on display at an exhibition in London.
The six artists currently left in the competition unveiled models of their proposed artwork for the empty plinth in St-Martin-in-the-Fields on 18 August. Elmgreen and Dragset’s ‘Powerless Structures, Fig 101’ is of a golden boy on a rocking horse, meant to be a counterpoint to the squares' statues of military men. Michael Elmgreen said: "You have the very serious war lords put on horseback to look even more scary in black bronze so we thought we would cheer up the public, especially the small children who would be easily scared by them.”
"We wanted an image that was hopeful; we can hope he doesn't end up like the other guys. It's also a comment on the fact that we are still making war monuments, which I find rather tacky. That we still celebrate killing other people - sometimes war might be needed as the very last solution but it's not something we should celebrate. It can't be right."
The Guardian’s art critic Adrian Searle wrote: “Elmgreen & Dragset’s golden boy on a rocking horse is by far the best. It avoids kitsch. The simplified detail and expression feel just right. There’s something poignant but unsentimental about the relationship the sculpture will have with all of those sombre bronze generals on the other plinths. Golden boys don’t always grow up to be heroes. It’s a rich sculpture, playful, but also serious.”
The winning proposal will be displayed at the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square next year. The models are currently on display, free and open to the public, in the foyer of St. Martin-in-the-Fields until 31 October 2010. Everyone can voice their opinions on the commission’s website, but ultimately it comes down to a panel of eight judges which will announce early next year the next two winners.
Based in London and Berlin, Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset have worked together as an artist duo since the mid-1990s. Their work explores issues relating to contemporary modes of living and investigates how these are reflected in both the everyday designs that surround us and in our urban landscapes. Major exhibitions include The Collectors at The Nordic and Danish Pavilions for the 53rd Venice Biennial in 2009, a survey show at MUSAC in León, Spain (2009), solo shows at Serpentine Gallery (2006) and Tate Modern in London (2004).
Have your say at: www.fourthplinth.co.uk
Fourth Plinth Programme: Six new proposals
Dates: 19 August – 31 October 2010
Venue: Crypt foyer, St-Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 4JJ
Opening Hours: Mon & Tue 8.00am – 8.00pm, Wed 8.00am – 7.00pm, Thu–Sat 8.00am – 9.00pm and Sun 11.00am – 6.00pm.
Entry: FREE