Me. Here. Now.

Commissioned by Network Rail and curated by Futurecity, a major new public artwork by artist Mark Titchner launched on October 17th, 2018 at London Bridge station in Stainer Street – a new pedestrianised walkway within the new station development, linking Tooley Street and St Thomas Street.

‘Me. Here. Now.’ is Titchner’s most ambitious public work to date and was delivered as part of Network Rail’s planning obligations to Southwark Council. Following a piece of strategic work undertaken with Network Rail to identify potential approaches and sites for public art interventions, Futurecity was appointed to manage the delivery of the commission, from concept through to installation.

Titchner’s work comprises three giant polished stainless steel domes suspended from the ceiling of the new walkway. Mirrored inside and out, the domes reflect both the existing brickwork of the walkway ceiling and the movement and colour of everyday life below. These reflections animate the domes, continually shifting the viewer in their reflected image; emphasizing both the individual and their place in the wider community.

Titchner wanted to associate the experience of travel and commuting with endurance and the potential for self-improvement, reflection and spiritual growth. Each dome contains a succinct text, offering a mantra to passersby underneath and a moment for pause within the busyness of this main transportation hub:

“Only the first step is difficult”
“The distance means nothing”
“One foot in front of the other”

These interconnected texts are adapted from: a quote attributed to an 18th Century French noble, patron of the arts and friend of Voltaire, Anne de Vichy-Chamrond; the lyrics of an American post-hardcore band, Fugazi; and a Self-Help book. The circular hemispheres of the domes also act as a metaphor for a journey without end. As long as we continue to change, so does the world around us.

Mark Titchner won this commission through a competitive process, supported by a specially convened Arts Advisory Panel including key project stakeholders and cultural experts. Titchner then worked in collaboration with Network Rail, Futurecity, Costain, and Concorde Graphics to develop and deliver the commission.

• Read more: www.thameslinkprogramme.co.uk/stainer-street
• Watch the making of Me. Here. Now. on YouTube