Sculpture in the City, the dynamic yearly public art exhibition in the City of London, returns this summer with a selection of contemporary art pieces placed in and around the Square Mile. Launching on the 9th of July, the exhibition will include works from internationally renowned artists including Damien Hirst, Sigalit Landau, Shan Hur 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.
Created for the occasion, site-specific installation Broken Pillar #12, is part of a body of work developed over the last five years, by Shan Hur. As part of the artist’s practice, Hur incorporates found objects, usually relevant to its location within these structures, encouraging the viewer to question the world around them and the objects hidden within it. Adapted to its surroundings at St Helen’s Churchyard, Broken Pillar #12 is a unique interpretation from the series, unveiled for the occasion. Hur’s previous public placements include ‘Berkeley’s tree’ – the façade of Berkeley Square House, London, UK and ‘A New Column for Manchester’ with the Arts Council of England – Manchester, UK, 2014.
Now in its fifth year, the Sculpture in the City initiative aims to enhance our 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 draws cultural visitors into this most ancient part of the city.
This year a total of fifteen works are set to transform the EC3 insurance area. Historic Leadenhall Market will again be used as a dramatic backdrop, when Adam Chodzko’s Ghost (2010), a 22 foot wooden kayak, is suspended from the ceiling of the ornate Victorian structure. The view of Damien Hirst’s monumental Charity (2002-2003), nearly seven metres tall, will be framed by St. Helen’s Church and Gherkin, whilst Japanese artist Tomoaki Suzuki’s miniature figures, modelled after real Londoners, will playfully populate the Gherkin plaza.
Participating artists for Sculpture in the City 2015 are: Ekkehard Altenburger (Germany); Bruce Beasley (USA); Adam Chodzko (UK); Ceal Floyer (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. The initiative is delivered through a partnership between 22 Bishopsgate, 30 St Mary Axe, Aon, Aviva, British Land, Brookfield Office Properties, Hiscox, Tower 42, Willis, and WRBC Development UK Limited, with the additional support of project patrons MTEC, Leadenhall Market, and Price & Myers.
With thanks to the artists and galleries: Corvi-Mora; Gazelli Art House; James Cohan Gallery; Lisson Gallery; Marlborough Contemporary; New Art Centre; Pangolin London Sculpture Gallery; Rosenfeld Porcini; Science Ltd; White Cube; William Benington Gallery; Xavier Veilhan.
Sculpture in the City is facilitated and delivered by the City of London Corporation.
https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/sculptureinthecity
