One And Other
So what are we to make of this? Antony Gormley has now launched One And Other, his project for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. Gormley – he of Angel of the North repute – is inviting 2,400 people aged 16 and over to stand on the plinth for 60 minutes each as part of this 100 day project.
Well it sounds kind of fun to us. Each person is selected randomly and, once atop the plinth, they are allowed to do whatever they like (within the realm of public decency, one imagines). Expect to see all kinds of people sitting, standing, sleeping, performing or protesting.
Some people are less convinced by the idea, however. Step forward the good old Stuckists, who nominated Gormley for their Art Clown of the Year Award 2008. About One And Other, Gormley said “Through putting a person onto the plinth, the body becomes a metaphor, a symbol.” Ask the Stuckists: “What metaphor? Symbolic of what?”
I’m inclined to agree with the Stuckists in the sense that I don’t see, as Gormley does, how “In the context of Trafalgar Square with its military, valedictory and male historical statues, this elevation of everyday life to the position formerly occupied by monumental art allows us to reflect on the diversity, vulnerability and particularity of the individual in contemporary society.”
I think it just sounds like a bit of fun. But there’s nothing really wrong with that. Even if standing up on that plinth for an hour might get a little boring, it’d be cool to be able to say, “I did it!” I’ve registered, and you can too at www.oneandother.co.uk.
It would be good to know who pays for it, and if it’s us, how much it all costs.
Thanks
Hiya,
Really interesting opinions – I’ve posted a link to this on the One and Other blog – hope you don’t mind!
Leave your response!
Spoonfed Newsletter
Lost or overwhelmed with what to do this week in London? Sign up to our Spoonfed newsletter and we'll show you the very best that London has to offer.
Spoonfed Tweets
Join Our Facebook Group
Get regular Spoonfed news straight to your Facebook by joining our Facebook Fanpage.
Arts & Books »
See Further Festival @ The Southbank Centre!
News reaches us this week that those boffins down at The Royal Society are 350 years old this year and as part of their year long celebration of geekery they’re holding a very unique and …
Beery Fun »
Tio Pepe Tapas Trail
Anyone who’s met me for more than like five minutes or read practically anything I’ve ever written knows that I bloody love Tio Pepe. I’m actually quite evangelical about it, even to the extent that …
Cake of the Week »
Cake Thursday #40
We managed to sneak outside today for a little al fresco Cake Thursday action. Good spread for the team – except the Jaffa Cakes – Eugh!
Share and Enjoy:
Spoonfed News »
Spoonfed Seeks Interns
Looking for a start in journalism? Graduated recently? Still filling your days with whatever cheesy American drama is on E4 whilst growling at financial journalism job ads on Gumtree ? You know nothing about finance …
Top 5s »
Top 5 Date Ideas For Music Lovers in London
We’ve scoured the city – with the help from our friends at Tastebuds.fm – to drum up some dating ideas with a difference.
Archive
Blogroll
Tag Cloud
art bands you should see bars best of books booze Cake Cake Thursday charity chocolate cocktails comedy competition drink events Fashion Features festivals Film food free fun gallery indie interview live music london music party photography pop Press pretentious restaurant restaurants shopping soho Spooner of the Month spoonfed Sport SXSW Top 5s twitter website wine of the week