Sarah Morris’ Big Ben chosen for Art on the Underground project

When the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games posters were unveiled last year, they were met with some controversy.

Big Ben by Sarah Morris (Original)
Big Ben by Sarah Morris (Original)

The original poster brief encouraged artists ‘to celebrate the games coming to London and to look at the values of the Olympic or Paralympic Games.’ It was a loose brief met with a broad range of responses.

Big Ben by Sarah Morris
Big Ben by Sarah Morris

Sarah Morris’ Big Ben was arguably one of the best and has now been chosen by Art on the Underground to be made into an extended 18 panel study, at Gloucester Road tube station, with one version of the painting taking over each arch.

Big Ben by Sarah Morris
Big Ben by Sarah Morris

As trains enter the station, passengers will see ‘an evolving spectrum of geometry and colour’ according to  Art on The Underground.

Big Ben by Sarah Morris
Big Ben by Sarah Morris

Louise Coysh, curator of Art on The Underground says, ‘Morris’ work resonates very strongly not only with London’s architecture and transport infrastructure, but most especially with the energy and excitement in the capital during 2012.’

Big Ben by Sarah Morris
Big Ben by Sarah Morris

Morris says, ‘I wanted to create a spectrum of colour that parallels the movement in and out of Gloucester Road station; an image of arrival and departure.’

Big Ben by Sarah Morris
Big Ben by Sarah Morris

Morris is known for her bold use of colour and creates responses to the architecture of an urban environment, but this is the first time she has produced a work inspired by London, its architecture and Underground stations.

Big Ben 2012 will be in place at Gloucester Road tube station from mid-June and the Big Ben poster will be on display alongside the other London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games posters at the Tate from 21 June.

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