The Fourth Plinth

The what? What’s a plinth?
A plinth is the base that a statue stands on, and the most famous plinth in the UK at the moment is ‘the fourth plinth’ in London’s Trafalgar Square. Each corner of Trafalgar Square has a plinth, and three of these have statues on them. However, the ‘fourth’ plinth’ stands empty. For the next 100 days British artist Antony Gormley is turning the fourth plinth into the stage for his latest project.

What’s going to happen?
Members of the general public can apply to spend one hour on the plinth. The plinth will be occupied 24 hours a day for the next 100 days. People can do whatever they like (as long as it’s legal!) on the plinth. So far people have used it to protest, to promote a charity and to do absolutely nothing.

Why?
Gormley is creating a ‘picture of Britain’, or some would describe it as a self-portrait of the nation.

What do you think about this? Do you think it is art? Do you think it is worthwhile and interesting? If you are in London why not go to Trafalgar Square to see for yourself what is going on.

Click on the title to read more about Antony Gormley and ‘The Fourth Plinth’.

Glossary
Statue n. a figure, often of someone famous made by an artist
General public n. anyone in the public, not an ‘official’ person, eg Members of Parliament can visit the House of Commons whenever they like but the general public can only visit on official tours
Protest v. to demonstrate that you are against something, eg to protest against a war
Promote v. to create awareness of something, eg to promote a new brand of toothpaste
Charity n. a non profit organisation that does work for people who need help, eg the Red Cross is a charity
Self-portrait n. a picture of yourself

Image from www.moreintelligentlife.com