The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square will unveil its 16th commission, 'Lady in Blue' by New York-based artist Tschabalala Self, on September 10. The 10ft bronze sculpture, patinated with lapis lazuli blue pigment, depicts a woman of colour striding forward in a blue dress and heels.
Background of the Fourth Plinth
Since 1999, the Fourth Plinth has hosted 15 diverse sculptures, including a blue cockerel, a horse skeleton, a giant thumbs up, and a winged bull. The current occupant, Teresa Margolles's 'Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times in an Instant)', honours trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people. That piece will be removed to make way for Self's work.
Artist's Vision
Self described 'Lady in Blue' as 'not an idol to venerate or a historic figurehead to commemorate. She is a woman striding forward into our collective future with ambition and purpose. She is a Londoner who represents the city’s spirit.' The artist added: 'I have London to thank for so many milestones in my practice. I had my first institutional show here, and later the first presentation of my first major painting series. The city has truly supported my artistic development and is the best possible home for this powerful figure.'
Selection Process and Duration
Self's piece was chosen by the Fourth Plinth commissioning group, alongside public votes, in 2024. It will remain on the plinth for 18 months until 2028, after which it will be replaced by Andra Ursuţa's 'Untitled', a spectral green horseman made of resin.
