Self & Other (For the Albert Embankment)

Self & Other (for the Albert Embankment) is Random International’s first public, outdoor commission in London, and is the collective’s latest work to explore identity, the representation and perception of the self-image, and the reflected human form.

The responsive nature of the work invites unexpected physical interaction and explores traits of human cognition. As the onlooker moves, an illuminated reflection follows with a slight delay. The subtlety of this delay of the reflection occupies an ambiguous position, somewhere in between the live reflection of a mirror and the static image of a photograph.

The onlooker’s full-length reflection is translated into points of light, distributed three dimensionally and embedded within layers of glass. As it is built up through evenly-spaced glass sheets, the piece can present both literal and abstract images, depending on the vantage point of different viewers.

“The Thames is fast becoming a ‘cultural ribbon’, with major artworks along its length. Random International’s new permanent kinetic artwork will become an important cultural stopping point on that journey, and as with all St James investment in public art ‘Self and Other’ is free to the public.”

-Mark Davy, Founder, Futurecity