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CNN is reporting that the "empty" fourth plinth in London's Trafalgar Square is to be occupied by volunteers for 100 consecutive days, 24 hours a day, artist Antony Gormley has announced.
Since
2005, the Mayor of London's Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group has
picked an artist or artists to fill the landmark space with a new
piece. Gormley, known for such works as "The Angel of the North,"
announced on Thursday his plans to encourage volunteers from around the
UK to stand on the plinth.
The work, titled "One & Other,"
will run from July 6 to October 14 and involve 2,400 people who will
stand on the plinth for an hour each. The volunteers can do anything
they like on the plinth.
Trafalqar Square, which is popular with
tourists, is one of London's landmarks. Named after a famed 1805
British naval victory against the French, its centerpiece is a column
commemorating Lord Horatio Nelson, who died during the conflict.
The
fourth plinth is the only one not to hold a statue. Built in 1841, it
was intended to hold a tribute to King William IV—but fundraising
efforts proved insufficient. Since then it has remained empty, despite
arguments over the decades as to a worthy occupant. In 1999, it was
decided that a rotating series of artworks should occupy the plinth.
Applications to participate in the event will be taken from April, with the winning volunteers randomly selected.