The fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square was built in 1841 to hold a statue of William IV but a lack of funds meant that it remained empty for the next 150 years. There is still much debate about a permanent sculpture for the plinth with many people thinking it should be used for a statue of Queen Elizabeth II. This would only happen after her death so in the meantime it is used for temporary art exhibits.
This is 'Really good' by David Shrigley. It is an 18ft bronze hand clenched in a fist with the thumb extended upwards. Shrigley's ambition is that this simple 'Thumb's up' gesture will become a self fulfilling prophesy: that things considered 'bad' such as the economy, weather and society will benefit from a change of consensus to positivity.
This is the 11th temporary exhibit on the fourth plinth and as with the others is a cause of much discussion.
I kind of like this sculpture.
ReplyDeleteI really like this a lot.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
Wow … that is no ordinary thumbs up. That is the loooooongest thumb I’ve seen in a long time.
ReplyDeleteIt got you discussing it :)
ReplyDeleteMuch discussion and speculation indeed.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite an interesting artwork.
ReplyDeleteInteresting sculpture.
ReplyDeleteIt's not my cup of tea. Too long for a start. I wonder where it goes after its stint on the fourth plinth is up.
ReplyDeleteIn your first picture I didn't think the thumb was out of proportion very much but in the second pic it definitely looks too long.
ReplyDeleteThat is a giant thumb up for everyone to make you feel better.
ReplyDeleteHow have I missed this. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteAt least it's a positive statue. I like it!
ReplyDeleteIt has a positive message the US could use at the moment!
ReplyDelete