An American and a Romanian’s artworks will decorate Trafalgar Square

London’s iconic Trafalgar Square is soon to be graced by the presence of two new stunning sculptures that are guaranteed to capture the attention of passers-by and ignite thought-provoking conversations for years to come.

The first to make its debut in 2026 is ‘Lady in Blue’, a breath-taking creation by American artist Tschabalala Self. This mesmerising bronze sculpture pays homage to the modern urban woman, donning a vibrant blue dress crafted from a one-of-a-kind pigment sourced from North Africa and the Middle East, known as lapis lazuli blue. Self’s vision of a contemporary woman that resonates with many people makes this piece a perfect addition to the lively city of London.

Hot on the heels of ‘Lady in Blue’ is ‘Untitled’ by Romanian artist Andra Ursuța, set to grace Trafalgar Square in 2028. This captivating sculpture features a mysterious figure on horseback, shrouded in a slime-like covering. Ursuța’s creation challenges the significance of traditional public sculptures in today’s progressive society, adding an enigmatic and alluring element to Trafalgar Square.

These two masterpieces were selected from a shortlist that included a colossal black cat, a pastel-hued ice cream van, and even a sweet potato island. With the Fourth Plinth initiative marking its 25th anniversary this year, the anticipation for these upcoming installations is palpable, and London is abuzz with excitement.

The initiative, sparked by Prue Leith’s idea to fill the empty plinth at the heart of Trafalgar Square, has evolved into a prestigious platform for public art. The Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, comprised of a panel of artists, journalists, and curators, holds the crucial task of selecting the winning sculptures, with public input also playing a significant role in the decision-making process.

It’s worth mentioning that the current sculpture on display is ‘Antelope’ by Samson Kambalu, a bronze representation of a 1914 photograph of Baptist preacher John Chilembwe and European missionary John Chorley. While we eagerly await the arrival of ‘Lady in Blue’ and ‘Untitled’, the anticipation is further heightened by the upcoming display of ‘Improntas (Imprints)’ by Teresa Margolles, a collection of plaster cast faces of trans people forming an ancient skull rack, set to be unveiled in September 2024.

The Fourth Plinth initiative has undeniably injected a touch of creative flair and artistic expression into Trafalgar Square, captivating the imaginations of both locals and tourists. With each new addition, the Fourth Plinth of London continues to unfold a unique and enthralling narrative at the heart of the city, serving as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of public art.