2022 - Issue 21
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention.
Those of you who spent the last four days wrapped in Union Jack will be pleased to know that the Platinum Jubilee was just the start of the party for some outdoor art experiences that will span the summer, and beyond.
Corgi Trail
In 1986, a chocolatier had the idea of placing painted lions around Zurich to celebrate its 2,000th birthday. It was over a decade before another major city did something similar (Chicago, cows, 1999) but that’s when things took off. Horses, moose, bears, elephants, swans and yes, even penguins (!) are just some of the tens of dozens of animals (among other things) that have been given focus in a public art parade.
For London, the choice was obvious. Queen Elizabeth II has owned at least 30 corgis during her reign, and there are now 19 supersized ones scattered between Victoria and Aldwych, providing both tourists and locals an enjoyable and Instagrammable way to explore the city. See if you can sniff them all out!
Until 26 July at various locations.
Visit this site for more info or just download the MAP and get hunting!
Superbloom
This very well might turn into Instagram nirvana, but at the moment it’s looking like yet another London super blooper involving scaffolding and underwhelming horticulture. Seriously, how did anyone involved in this not learn anything from the Marble Arch Mound?
Maybe that’s why sponsor Burberry has created an Instagram filter that fills your photos with flowers and butterflies. That’s still not going to soften the blow of having to pay £10 a ticket. (£6 child)
I’m hoping it’ll be worth it in a few months, but until nature has been given the chance to do it’s thing at it’s own pace, if you pay for the slide it’s actually you that’s being taken for a ride.
Until 18 Sept at the Tower of London moat.
Visit the official site for more info and to buy tickets.
Elizabeth Line
Did it really overrun, or were all those delays actually part of a strategic PR campaign tie-in with the Jubilee? You’ll barely have time to debate that between stations because it’s so bloody fast and efficient. With all the time you’ll get back why not stop and admire the art?
Six of the eight new station commissions are already in situ, variously covering the walls and ceilings with subtle meandering designs that give each one a unique sense of place. Though I’m most excited about the two mega-sized outdoor sculptures by Conrad Shawcross (@conradshawcross) and Yayoi Kusama (@yayoikusama_) that will land at Liverpool Street Station sometime in 2023.
Visit Art on Crossrail for more info about the art & artists.
PLUS — don’t forget to check What’s On so you don’t miss any of the great shows closing soon.
Bonus: Red Arrows!
Here’s a short video of the “70” formation and Red Arrows flyby on Thu 02 June. Shot from the Battersea Power Station forecourt.