The Fourth Plinth

A new artwork has been unveiled on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. ‘Powerless Structures, Fig 101 ‘ is a 4 metre high sculpture by Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset of a golden boy riding what seems to be a golden IKEA flat pack rocking horse. But then the artists are Scandinavian.

Forming what looks like a giant pair of equestrian book ends the sculpture sits in the northwest corner of Trafalgar Square opposite the sombre, humourless statue of George IV also on horseback. The childlike, innocent statue is the total antithesis to all the military pomp and grandeur that fill the square.

The plinth was originally built for an equestrian statue in 1841 but was never completed due to lack of funds. It remained ‘empty’ for over 160 years. It is now an important London landmark and love it or loath it the artwork on the Fourth Plinth is never ignored and always thought provoking. Without doubt the purpose of public art.