New Fourth Plinth Artwork Set for September Reveal

A new artwork has been confirmed for Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth, with a striking sculpture set to be unveiled in September as part of London’s long running public art programme. The piece, titled Lady in Blue, is created by New York based artist Tschabalala Self and will take its place above one of the capital’s most visited public spaces. Cast in bronze and finished in a vivid blue patina, the sculpture portrays a young woman walking forward with confidence and purpose. The artist has described the figure as a reflection of contemporary London, drawing inspiration from the diversity, ambition and everyday presence of women across the city. The work is intended to stand in contrast to traditional monuments, offering a modern representation rather than a historical or political figure.

Lady in Blue will replace the current installation that has occupied the plinth, continuing a tradition that has brought international contemporary art into the heart of London for more than two decades. The Fourth Plinth programme is supported by the Mayor of London and overseen by an independent commissioning group, with members of the public invited to give feedback on shortlisted proposals. Since the project began in 1999, the plinth has hosted a wide range of works that challenge expectations of public sculpture and provoke discussion among visitors and residents alike. Previous installations have ranged from figurative pieces to conceptual works, each adding a new layer to the evolving cultural identity of Trafalgar Square.

The artist has said the sculpture is not intended to be an object of worship or a tribute to a single individual, but instead a representation of collective movement and shared future. Finished using lapis lazuli blue, a pigment historically associated with rarity and refinement, the surface treatment is designed to emphasise both strength and elegance. The figure’s purposeful stride reflects themes of progress, visibility and presence in public space. The artist has also spoken about her personal connection to London, crediting the city with playing an important role in her creative development and describing Trafalgar Square as an ideal setting for the work.

The unveiling in September is expected to attract significant public interest, continuing the Fourth Plinth’s role as a platform for contemporary voices in art. With millions of people passing through Trafalgar Square each year, the sculpture will become part of everyday city life as well as a focal point for cultural conversation. The programme has consistently aimed to broaden the types of stories and figures represented in London’s public realm, and the latest commission reinforces that mission by placing a modern, forward looking figure at the centre of one of the city’s most iconic locations.