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Powerless Structures, Fig. 101

© DACS 2024. Image credit: Gautier Deblonde / Greater London Authority

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The Fourth Plinth was meant to hold a bronze equestrian statue of King William IV by Sir Charles Barry. It was never installed. Some 170 years later, Elmgreen & Dragset completed the process with their unique take on traditional equestrian statues. 'Powerless Structures, Fig. 101' was a golden-bronze sculpture of a boy astride his rocking horse. In situ, the child became a historical hero like the other statues in the square. Instead of acknowledging the heroism of the powerful, the work celebrated the heroism of growing up. As yet, for the boy there is no history to commemorate – only a future to hope for. 'Powerless Structures, Fig. 101' is now in the Arken Museum of Modern Art, Denmark.
Title

Powerless Structures, Fig. 101

Date

2012

Medium

bronze

Measurements

H 410 x W (?) x D (?) cm

Accession number

WC2_FPC_S008

Acquisition method

commissioned by the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group; displayed on the Fourth Plinth, 2012–2013

Work type

Equestrian

Installation start date

2012

Installation end date

2013

Unveiling date

2012

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Located at

Trafalgar Square, Central London

WC2N 5NJ