LONDON.- The City of London Corporation announced the unveiling of seven sculptures in Londons Square Mile by internationally renowned artists Michael Craig-Martin, Tracey Emin, Angus Fairhurst, Dan Graham, Thomas Houseago, Julian Opie and Yayoi Kusama transforming Great St Helen's in the City of London. Great St Helen's: Sculpture Space, is a free open-air curated exhibition which shows until January 2013.
A new work by Dan Graham called City of London Rococo, especially made for the exhibition after the artist visited the site is viewable alongside the seven other pieces including Tracey Emins renowned Roman Standard and Thomas Houseago, Bottle II which is exhibited for the first time.
Dan Grahams specially commissioned pavilions blur the line between art and architecture, mirror and glass structures that create diverse optical effects. Created as hybrids, they operate as quasi-functional spaces and art installations. Studies of space and light, they are situated in public spaces and are activated by the presence of the viewer.
Great St Helen's: Sculpture Space aims to enhance its urban surroundings with cutting-edge contemporary sculpture. One of the central concepts of the curated show, which is in its second year, is the site-specific response by the artists. Set amongst London's iconic architectural landmarks, including The Gherkin by Norman Foster and the Lloyds building by Richard Rogers, the works, which can be viewed at all times draw visitors into The City and encourage them to engage with bold and striking art.
Great St Helen's: Sculpture Space is a unique collaboration between the City of London Corporation, the elected body which looks after the Square Mile global business district around St Pauls, locally based businesses Hiscox, Aviva, British Land, Aon and IVG UK. It provides the opportunity to engage new audiences with established and emerging contemporary artists in a unique setting. The project uses expertise from the art world, artists, galleries and specialist art handlers MTEC.
John Scott, Chairman of the City of London Corporations elected Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, says: This years exhibition features some striking, bespoke sculptures by up-and-coming artists, as well as old favourites from some of the art worlds best known names. Were confident that this partnership and its fruits will continue to evolve and excite.
Robert Hiscox, Chairman of Hiscox, says: "We were delighted with the first Great St Helen's show of sculpture which had a significant impact on the business and local community, and we are greatly looking forward to Year 2. We congratulate the City and the artists and their representatives for enabling this cultural initiative which brings creativity, heart and humanity to the City."
Victoria Thornton OBE, Founding Director of Open-City, says: Enabling young people from the local area to explore and be inspired by the city on their doorstep is a marvellous opportunity and one that Open-City is pleased to be part of.