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Lady in Blue by Tschabalala Self

A woman in a blue dress walking forward

This sculpture pays homage to a young, metropolitan woman of colour, much like the many one might encounter in today’s London.

She is a symbol of our shared present and future ambitions – the aspiration of equity through representation, recognition, and action. A world where all global citizens are appreciated for their unique contributions. 

It is inspired by a desire to bring a contemporary ‘everywoman’ to Trafalgar Square. A walking icon of the everyday, rather than an idol representing the adulation of one.  

Made of bronze, the sculpture will reference the square’s existing monuments, but here patinated with the blue colour of Lapis Lazuli. This rare and refined pigment has been used since antiquity in North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. It has a global historical significance and was used by artists such as Titian and Vermeer. 

Self is best known best known for her depictions of Black female figures using paint, fabric, and discarded pieces of her previous works.

Born in New York, America in 1990, she lives and works in New York. 

See more images

Figure or a black woman, in a blue dress and blue shoes, walking forward, on a light grey plinth, side, close up view
Figure or a black woman, in a blue dress and blue shoes, walking forward, on a light grey plinth, front on view
Figure or a black woman, in a blue dress and blue shoes, walking forward, on a light grey plinth, side angled view
Figure or a black woman, in a blue dress and blue shoes, walking forward, on a light grey plinth, side angled, close up view
Figure or a black woman, in a blue dress and blue shoes, walking forward, on a light grey plinth, back view
Figure or a black woman, in a blue dress and blue shoes, close up view of her arm and leg walking forward, on a light grey plinth.

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