Fourth Plinth winning sculptures announced for 2026 and 2028
Tschabalala Self and Andra Ursuţa chosen to grace London's Fourth Plinth with sculptures in 2026 and 2028.
Tschabalala Self. Photo by Daniel Gurton.
Tschabalala Self, Lady in Blue, 2024. Photo by James O Jenkins.
The Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group has unveiled its latest winning commissions, announcing Tschabalala Self and Andra Ursuţa as the chosen artists to have their sculptures grace the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square in 2026 and 2028 respectively. The decision, made from a shortlist featuring notable artists like Chila Kumari Singh Burman and Gabriel Chaile, was reached independently by the commissioning group, chaired by Ekow Eshun, with input from the public.
Tschabalala Self's Lady in Blue pays tribute to the contemporary urban woman of color, envisioned in bronze and adorned with a patina of Lapis Lazuli blue pigment, while Andra Ursuţa's Untitled presents a striking figure atop a horse, covered in a shroud and cast in slime-green resin, symbolizing various histories of public sculpture and commemoration. These artworks promise to invigorate public discourse as they take their place in one of London's most iconic spaces.
Andra Ursuta. Photo Jorge Monedero.
Andra Ursuta, Untitled, 2024. Photo by James O Jenkins
The Fourth Plinth, known for showcasing groundbreaking works by internationally renowned artists, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, with past installations including Mark Wallinger's Ecce Homo and Samson Kambalu's Antelope. Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, expressed excitement over the selection of Self and Ursuţa, highlighting the rich tradition of the sculpture prize in stimulating conversation and engaging the public.
The maquettes of the shortlisted artworks are on display at the National Gallery until 17 March 2024.