Fourth Plinth at Trafalgar Square by Emilia Goetsch





Trafalgar Square was the first stop on the walking tour in week 2. Professor Marshall pointed out the Fourth Plinth, the unfinished pedestal in the Northwest corner of the historic square. Unfinished due to insufficient funds, this plinth has been empty since 1841 (Rosehill). There has been two different movements to occupy this bare object with temporary works of art in the last 20 years, with the most recent push going strong since 2005 (“Latest Trafalgar Square”). The piece we will observe for our study abroad experience is “The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist” by Michael Rakowitz. Beneath the creation, there was a short summary of the artist and his work, a replica of the Iraqi Lamassu, which was destroyed in 2015 by ISIS (“Latest Trafalgar”). Upon further research, Rakowitz called his recreation, made of 10,500 date syrup cans, as a "a ghost of the original, and as a placeholder for those human lives that cannot be reconstructed, that are still searching for sanctuary” (“Latest Trafalgar”). By choosing this piece to be featured, the country acknowledges its involvement in the Iraqi war and indirectly references the false dossier that was published in order for Britain to invade alongside US forces.

Trafalgar Square is an iconic London meeting place for visitors and locals, often the center for protests, gatherings, and events like Chinese New Year. Today, visitors (and pigeons) flock to this area, just like those in James Tissot’s London Visitors. History can and will repeat itself. This theme is emphasized throughout the square. The other monuments, like Nelson’s Column and the four lions at its base, are symbols of British authority and victory. London is still a dominating city, but arguably not as strong as during the time of the British Empire. There is tremendous pride in this country and city, as exhibited throughout all of the museums in different ways. London seems to be very aware of its history and conscientious of its future. Because of this, London is an ever-changing and revolving city; rich in its own history, yet very cognizant of those who now occupy the capital and the world. A lot has changed since Charles Dickens and Claude Monet depicted their own perspectives of this international hub.

London is by far the most diverse city I have ever visited. My view might differ from your view, but there is beauty in one’s perspective, another theme emphasized in this course. Those looking at the work of Rakowitz on the Fourth Plinth can interpret the creation with or without his objective of the winged bull and protective god. Mayor Sadiq Khan said it best when saying the piece has “the power of art to bring to life politics, cultures and personal stories from around the world and across generations” (“Latest Trafalgar”). London is a mix of old and new, just like “The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist.” Trafalgar Square and its fourth plinth have emphasized how the city and its people has grown over its long history. A lot has been said, but there is still a lot remaining to be heard.

Works Cited

Rosehill, Harry. “Every Work of Art On The Fourth Plinth (So Far).” The Londonist, 20 January 2017. https://londonist.com/london/art-and-photography/every-work-of-art-on-the-fourth-plinth-so-far. Accessed 26 February 2019.

“Latest Trafalgar Square Fourth plinth artwork unveiled.” BBC News, 28 March 2018. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-43565870. Accessed 26 February 2019.

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