The Ship in a Bottle has gone and we've now got a golden boy on a rocking horse on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square.The plan was always for there to be an equestrian statue at this corner of the Square so it is amusing that this artwork was chosen in a public vote. It's called Powerless Structures, Fig 101 and is designed by Elmgreen & Dragset. The golden boy seems so happy and innocent wearing what look like lederhosen. Yet while he seems realistic the horse looks very much 'flat pack' and I've heard it suggested it could have come from IKEA.
Anyway, it's arrived so what do you think? Do you like this playful idea or think it's out of place in such a grand setting? Do let me know your opinion in the Comments below. Image: © Laura Porter | Laura's London Travel Blog
Out of place and out of proportion. If they wanted a peaceful equestrian, I am sure that there are many who would have deserved a place Talk about dumbing down: the tourists must think it’s a joke as probably did the people who voted for it, never dreaming it would be taken seriously.
Why not a dressage rider? Why not Princess Anne , err…oh well, why not? Anything but toy town.
Thanks Heather. I wonder if visitors will see it as playful or will think we’ve gone crazy. Only time will tell.
I love it. People who have travelled a bit are getting used to playful public sculptures. France is full of them and we’ve had the cows and the elephants around town. Why not a bit of a smile from the fourth plinth? I’m all for it.
Thanks Ferne. My initial reaction to the new display has been positive too. It’s great to see that it’s getting some attention and starting some conversations.
The artists seek to take the mike out of our nations historical past yet fail to realise they wouldn’t be placing artwork here if it wasn’t for that very historical timeline they chose to mock.
Personally I’d stick a Spitfire and a Hurricane up on the 4th plinth and prove to young people (our future) that engineering/design helped defeat an ideology that threatened these shores.
Failing that let me place a few bollards up there….what is it that Nelson stands upon ?
Cheers John for your comment. I think the Fourth Plinth is always going to attract controversy. And I like the bollards idea!
I LOVE the Fourth Plinth, and the humour and playfulness in the latest is fabulous.
I do NOT like it. As a tourist, I would think it quite out of place and ridiculous. Definitely agree with other comments that it is “dumbing down” art and it was probably a joke that just went a little too far.
Sadly I doubt if the the ‘New Statute will be seen only by a few Tourists as they rush lemin like to the fountains, the Lions and possily look up at Lord Nelson atop his column.
Non Tourists will rush by, heads down on their way to their next appointment.
Richard
Thanks for the comments. We’ve got some different opinions and some strong feelings. Let’s give it time and see what the reaction is throughout the year. Thanks again.