Sculpture in the City
July 2015–May 2016
City of London
London
UK
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/sculptureinthecity
#sculptureinthecity
The City of London hosts a selection of contemporary art pieces placed in and around the Square Mile, the historic and financial centre of London, as part of its cultural offer through the fifth year of its Sculpture in the City programme.
Sculpture in the City 2015 returns this summer with artists including Damien Hirst, Xavier Veilhan, Keita Miyazaki, Sigalit Landau and Bruce Beasley. In addition, an Ai Weiwei work will be installed in September to coincide with the Royal Academy’s much anticipated exhibition of this celebrated artist.
Sculpture in the City is part of the City of London’s strategy to significantly enhance its cultural and artistic offer and enhance the urban environment with cutting-edge contemporary works from leading artists. Set amongst London’s iconic architectural landmarks, such as Norman Foster’s Gherkin, The Leadenhall Building (aka “The Cheesegrater”), and the Lloyd’s building by Richard Rogers, this open-air exhibition not only enriches the workday experience of City workers, but also draws cultural visitors into this part of the ancient city.
A total of 14 works transform the EC3 insurance area of the city. Historic Leadenhall Market is again serving as a dramatic backdrop, with Adam Chodzko’s Ghost (2010), a 22-foot wooden kayak, suspended from the ceiling of the ornate Victorian structure. The view of Damien Hirst’s monumental Charity (2002–03), nearly seven metres tall, is framed by St. Helen’s Church and the Gherkin, whilst Japanese artist Tomoaki Suzuki’s miniature figures, modelled after real Londoners, gaze out onto the Gherkin plaza.
Two works by Kris Martin will be on show this year: Bells II (2014) is displayed publicly for the first time on the corner of Bishopsgate and Wormwood Street, while Altar (2014) also features on New York City’s The High Line.
Another eye-catching piece is Xavier Veilhan’s Rays (London), a 12-metre tall, site-specific work framing the views between the Willis buildings.
Participating artists for Sculpture in the City 2015 are: Ekkehard Altenburger (Germany); Bruce Beasley (USA); Adam Chodzko (UK); Laura Ford (UK); Damien Hirst (UK); Shan Hur (Korea); Folkert de Jong (Netherlands); Sigalit Landau (Israel); Kris Martin (Belgium); Keita Miyazaki (Japan); Tomoaki Suzuki (Japan); Xavier Veilhan (France); and Ai Weiwei (China).
Sculpture in the City is a unique collaboration between the City of London Corporation (the elected body which looks after the Square Mile global business district), local businesses, and the art world, providing the opportunity for new audiences to engage with established and emerging contemporary artists.
With thanks to the artists and galleries: Corvi-Mora; Galerie Perrotin; Gazelli Art House; James Cohan Gallery; Marlborough Contemporary; New Art Centre; Pangolin London Sculpture Gallery; Rosenfeld Porcini; Science Ltd; Sies + Höke Galerie; White Cube; and William Benington Gallery.
The City of London is interested in artistic collaborations as part of its cultural strategy and would like to hear about mutually beneficial proposals. To register your interest to be considered for next year’s Sculpture in the City exhibition, please email sculptureinthecity [at] cityoflondon.gov.uk by 1 September 2015.
Previous editions of Sculpture in the City featured works by:
2011: Anish Kapoor, Julian Opie, Kenneth Armitage and Franz West
2012: Tracey Emin, Michael Craig-Martin, Angus Fairhurst, Julian Opie, Dan Graham, Thomas Houseago and Yayoi Kusama
2013: Jake & Dinos Chapman, Robert Indiana, Ryan Gander, Jim Lambie, Shirazeh Housiary, Richard Wentworth and Antony Gormley
2014: Lynn Chadwick, Jim Lambie, Julian Wild, Paul Hosking, Richard Wentworth, Joao Onofre, Ben Long, Nigel Hall and Cerith Wyn-Evans
For press information, please contact:
Danielle DeMartini, Brunswick Arts, T +020 7936 1394 / sitc [at] brunswickgroup.com
