LIVERPOOL, UK.- Tracey Emin has unveiled The Roman Standard, a public art piece in Liverpool. The work features a small bird on top of a four-meter high bronze pole. The work was commissioned the BBC as part of their contribution to the art05 festival and Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture in 2008. According to Tracey Emin, the work represents strength and femininity. It cost £60,000 to the BBC.

Tracey Emin stated, "I've always had the idea that birds are the angels of this earth and that they represent freedom. My Roman Standard represents strength but also femininity. Most public sculptures are a symbol of power which I find oppressive and dark. I wanted something that had a magic and an alchemy, something which would appear and disappear and not dominate."

The keeper of art galleries for National Museums Liverpool Julian Treuherz said: "Tracey's sculpture will bring a new dimension to an area of Liverpool already rich in great historic buildings and historical associations."