What does Lady in Blue mean? The blue woman sculpture in the heart of London

The new work "Lady in Blue" on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, London, began its display on September 10. Created by New York-based artist Tschabalala Self, the blue bronze sculpture depicts a young woman representing people living in London today. The work is the 16th commission of the Fourth Plinth programme, which began in 1998.

What does "Lady in Blue" mean?

Photos: AA

"Lady in Blue" brings an ordinary Londoner to Trafalgar Square, a place filled with historic and monumental figures.

Self, said her aim with the work was to create an "everyday woman" figure reflecting the people who occupy the square every day.

The young female figure does not represent a specific person and, in the artist's words, is not an idol to venerate or a historic figure to commemorate. Instead, she represents the Londoner in everyday life.

The figure's forward stride reflects the idea of moving into the collective future with ambition, purpose and optimism.

Self said she wanted "Lady in Blue" to be a woman that many people can relate to and to reflect the character of contemporary London.

What did Tschabalala Self say about Lady in Blue?

Self said:

The blue bronze sculpture created by New York-based artist Tschabalala Self (pictured) depicts a young woman representing Londoners today, striding forward into the future with determination.

"My work Lady in Blue will bring to Trafalgar Square a woman that many can relate to. She is not an idol to venerate or a historic figurehead to commemorate. She is a woman walking forward into our collective future with ambition and purpose. She is a Londoner, who represents the city's spirit. I have London to thank for so many milestones in my practice. I had my first institutional show here, and later the first presentation of my first major painting series. The city has truly supported my artistic development and is the best possible home for this powerful figure."

Why is Lady in Blue blue?

The bronze sculpture's dress has been painted a vibrant blue. The jewellery worn by the figure replicates the colour of lapis lazuli, a rare rock that has been used as a pigment since antiquity.

The blue colour therefore becomes one of the most distinctive features of "Lady in Blue."

The sculpture is also drawing attention because of the limited number of sculptures representing Black women in public spaces in Britain.

The 16th work on the Fourth Plinth

"Lady in Blue" took its place on the Fourth Plinth following "Mil Veces un Instante" by Mexican artist Teresa Margolles.