South Bank sculpture to be unveiled

A monumental 6m-high art installation, commissioned by Land Securities, is to be unveiled on London’s South Bank tonight, under ‘the gaze of the Tate Modern’.

The sculpture, Monument to the Unknown Artist, was created by urban art collective Greyworld for Land Securities’ 2005 design competition.

Andrew Shoben, Greyworld’s lead artist, says, ‘Monument to the Unknown Artist is a hugely exciting piece that will challenge the public’s imagination and, with its interactive and animatronic qualities, create the effect of 1000 sculptures in one. We’re thrilled to be designing such an innovative piece of art which we hope will inspire London.’

It will be positioned permanently alongside two other Land Securities commissions – Ian Davenport’s 50m outdoor mural Poured Lines and the new Architecture Foundation building designed by Zaha Hadid, due to open next year.

Investment in public art is part of the property company’s Capital Commitment Initiative, which has the objective of enhancing the cultural life of the capital.

Mike Hussey, managing director of Land Securities’ London portfolio, says, ‘The commission of such an original piece complements the cultural spirit of Bankside and will promote the continued rejuvenation of this up-and-coming area.’