Shortlist for the fourth plinth announced - 20/07/2010

A shortlist of six proposals for the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square was announced yesterday (July 19th).

Two ideas come from duos - Jennifer Allora from the US and Cuba's Guillermo Calzadilla (known for mixing sculpture and sound) plus Denmark's Michael Elmgreen and Norwegian Ingar Dragset.

The other artists shortlisted include German sculptor Katharina Fritsch, Mariele Neudecker, and Brits Hew Locke and Brian Griffith.

Boris Johnson, mayor of London, said: "This is the chance for today's most exciting artists to create something in one of the most historic and traditional settings imaginable."

He will announce the winner at the beginning of next year and the contemporary piece will be on display in 2012, during the Olympics.

The fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square is known for its contemporary art exhibitions. At the moment a replica of the HMS Victory inside a bottle by Yinka Shonibare is on display.

Brian Griffith, one of the shortlisted artists, was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for cardboard box spaceships, wooden ships and large sculptures.

Posted by Juliet Miller