Big Blue Bird

Hahn/Cock, Katharina Fritsch, 2013

This morning Boris Johnson unveiled a giant 15ft blue cockerel entitled 'Hahn/Cock' by German artist Katharina Fritsch - the latest sculpture to take roost on Trafalgar square's forth plinth for the next 18 months. The forth plinth was originally intended to hold an equestrian statue of William IV but due to insufficient funds remained bare for over 150 years. In 1999 the decision was made that it would be used for the temporary display of artworks.

My colleague went down to watch the unveiling this morning, reporting Boris to have been careful to avoid the English half of the sculptures title. He concluded his speech with a dig at David Cameron saying in the future googling the sculptures name would lead to computer meltdown after the prime minister called for greater internet censorship earlier in the week. Jon Snow, broadcaster and member of the fourth plinth commissioning group, said he admired the cockerel's distinguished flurry of tail feathers which point towards the National Gallery. 

The sculpture symbolises regeneration and strength though has been criticised for it's gallic reference, placed right next to Nelson's Column. Boris was having none of it hailing the suitability of it's colour after the birth of our Royal Prince!

Last night I happened to be cycling past so took a photo of him all lit up...

Leonardo Drew

Leonardo Drew, b. 1961

Having started work at The Art Newspaper I have been very bad at taking advantage of the invitations to private views we receive. Last week I finally managed to go on a bit of a team bonding trip to the Leonardo Drew exhibition at Vigo Gallery, the second solo show of wall-based sculptures by the Brooklyn based artist. 

Drew is known for his reflective and abstract sculptural installations which incorporate natural and man-made materials such as fabricated wood, tree branches, roots, paper, raw cotton, rust, random found objects and mud. The resulting effect is exceedingly tactile while the combination of the man-made and natural creates a feeling of them working in both harmony and opposition, battling against each other while simultaneously coming together.

Some of his installations, not on show in this exhibition, are composed solely of urban debris, collected by people who live on the street for $50 per bag. Drew re-examines and re-invents the objects and materials he uses, often loading his work with multiple African American historical, cultural and social connotations. His work draws on the cyclical and transient nature of life - decay and resurrection playing a central and recurring role throughout his work.

All works illustrated above were made this year and are composed of found wood. If you like what you see and are feeling flush, prices range from around £35,000 up to £95,000. 

The exhibition runs until July 26th 2013

Preview

Marcel Storr, Untitled, 1973

Very excitingly this month I got the chance to write my first preview for The Art Newspaper's July/August issue. The 'Alternative Guide to the Universe' is on at The Hayward Gallery until August 26th - here is a link to it...

The Art Newspaper - 'The Hayward goes Wayward'

Tune in for my September preview on the RA's 'Australia' exhibition which should be a little longer.