Trafalgar's new art splits opinion

By Michael Osborn
BBC News Online

Marc Quinn's sculpture will be the first art work on the fourth plinth

Two modern sculptures have been chosen to occupy the fourth plinth in London's Trafalgar Square, and art experts have been sharing their impressions of the new additions to the capital's showcase piazza.

Marc Quinn's striking white marble sculpture of disabled artist Alison Lapper expecting
a child will be the first to grace the empty plinth.

It will be followed by Thomas Schutte's brightly-coloured Perspex piece bringing to life an imaginary building entitled Hotel For The Birds.

The decision appears to please fans of modern art, while more traditional suggestions were rejected - an outcome which may see the age-old debate between traditional and modern art roll on.

'Admirable addition'

The Times art critic Richard Cork says he is "delighted" that Quinn's sculpture has been chosen, and thinks its contemporary nature will enhance Trafalgar Square.

"His humane proposal will make an admirable addition to Trafalgar Square. I hope the scheme continues in the future, concentrating always on contemporary art at its most adventurous," says Mr Cork.

I find that the empty plinth is eloquent. We need something more profound and historical for Trafalgar Square David Lee, Editor of Jackdaw

"By asking us to celebrate a frankly disabled woman, with more innate dignity than all those medal-bedecked male generals punctuating so many London vistas, Quinn has produced a taboo-breaking sculpture," he adds.

The Evening Standard's art critic Brian Sewell is less enthusiastic about what will grace the fourth plinth.

"I dislike the Quinn intensely and I can see no virtue in the Schutte. It's a gloriously fudged decision and they had better try and get it right next time," he says.

David Lee, editor of art magazine The Jackdaw, says the chosen artworks are "unworthy of prominence".

"I find that the empty plinth is eloquent. We need something more profound and historical for Trafalgar Square," he says.

Hotel For The Birds by Thomas Schutte was the contest's other winner

Mr Lee adds that he would like to see a conventional figurative sculpture at least being given a chance to be displayed - but wonders if British artists are capable of pulling it off.

Emma Beatty, deputy editor of The Art Newspaper, says that even though Trafalgar Square is a product of the imperial age, it is fitting that the sculptures are contemporary.

"They express 21st Century sentiments, and people will respond to them," she explains.

Artistic talent

"The times of imperialism have gone. Visitors to Trafalgar Square come from all over the world, and the notion of the English bowler-hatted gentleman has passed."

"We are lucky to have this contemporary culture which has adapted to the times, and the plinth will be a place to show off our artistic talent," adds Ms Beatty.

Mark Quinn's Alison Lapper Pregnant is expected to be installed on the plinth in spring of next year, while Schutte's sculpture will be on display from summer 2006.

Each of the artworks is expected to be on view for more than a year, during which time the numerous visitors to London's Trafalgar Square will have a chance to make up their own minds.