Ekkehard Altenburger
Bruce Beasley
Adam Chodzko
Laura Ford
Damien Hirst
Shan Hur
Folkert de Jong
Sigalit Landau
Kris Martin
Keita Miyazaki
Tomoaki Suzuki
Xavier Veilhan
Ai Weiwei
8/7/2015
Sculpture in the City
Different venues, London
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.
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.
Image: Days of Judgement - Cats 1&2 by Laura Ford. Located at 150 Leadenhall Street
Press Contact:
Danielle DeMartini, Brunswick Arts Consulting LLP, +44 207 936 1394 / +44
7823 527 152 / sitc@brunswickgroup.com or ddemartini@brunswickgroup.com
Opening: 9 July 2015
Different Venues
London