Katharina Fritsch’s “Hahn/Cock” (2010), Elmgreen & Dragset’s “Powerless Structures, Fig. 101”
And here we thought the Brits were all repressed about their sexuality. London’s famed Fourth Plinth, a sculptural pedestal left empty after funds ran out in the 19th century, has played host to sculptures by Rachel Whiteread, Mark Wallinger and other luminaries of the British art world. In 2013, the pedestal will have a GIANT BLUE COCK OMG on it.
The office of the Mayor of London just announced their “programme” for the pedestal over the next two years. In 2012, an epic bronzed sculpture of a boy on a rocking horse by artists Elmgreen & Dragset (of Biennale fame) called “Powerless Structures, Fig. 101” will take its place on the Fourth Plinth, followed by Katharina Fritsch‘s “Hahn/Cock” in 2013, a work that is, unmistakably, a big blue rooster. Hot.
For less superficial readings of the Fourth Plinth comissioned works, let’s turn to the Mayor of London’s interview videos (at bottom) with the artists. Elmgreen & Dragset’s boy on the horse plays on Trafalgar Square’s other works of art, which include plinths topped by military figures on horseback. The playful nature of the duo’s work both comments on the “possibilities of change” for a militaristic culture, and is just funny, a “celebration of ordinary life.” Fritsch’s cock, on the other hand, will be made of stainless steel covered by a durable plastic coating. The bright (IKB?) blue color makes the bird iconic, Fritsch says, and easily enjoyed by all viewing audiences. That’s what she said.
Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth currently hosts a commission by Yinka Shonibare MBE called “Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle” (2010). But get excited for the cock fest in two years!
