LONDON, 1 September 2021 – Jaume Plensa, the world-renowned Spanish sculptor, has unveiled his latest work, WE, in Shard Quarter, London Bridge.
WE comprises two parts – one installed in The Shard’s piazza, one suspended above the escalator outside the building – facing each other as if in dialogue. The Shard’s owners commissioned the piece, with curatorial support from Futurecity and a public art advisory committee, to be experienced by those visiting, living and working in Shard Quarter, connecting the two areas of the development’s public realm.
The sculptural installation references the idea of a mirror – a recurrent theme in Jaume Plensa’s work. For the first time in his practice, the artist has anchored one figure to the ground with roots, reflecting its status as being rooted to the history and context of the London Bridge area while the other piece is suspended in the air, in an evocation of spirituality and the notion of rising above the daily challenges.
“WE” by Jaume Plensa, Shard, London, © Jonty Wilde Photography Ltd 2021
Alongside the mirroring theme, the piece also represents diversity – something for which London is famous worldwide – with sculpted letters and characters from seven different alphabets featured within the artwork. These individual letters and characters are positioned in a random patterning, representing the universality of being human and the cells of the human body. The text and hollow structures invite the viewer to look inside, providing framed views of the surrounding environment and others within it.
The sculptural installation is the first in London created by Plensa that people can see and interact with in a public space; the home city of one of his artistic inspirations, William Blake. For this particular work, a quote from Blake’s The Marriage of Heaven and Hell perfectly encapsulates his inspiration for the new piece; “one thought fills immensity”. A sentiment that is reflected in WE, a piece that fills the large public space with energy.
The piece is designed to give members of the public a chance to frame their individual perspectives, as they walk through Shard Quarter, taking in one figure, followed by the other. By establishing a link between the two, they will be inspired to consider the notion of self, alongside the people around them.
Jaume Plensa said: “The dialogue between The Shard and London Bridge station is a wonderful metaphor about the fusion of avant-garde and tradition. The perfect place to celebrate the diversity of the world – the true soul of London.”
Mira Al-Attiyah, Chief Executive Officer of QNB Capital, co-owner of The Shard, said: “The unveiling of WE marks an exciting new chapter for Shard Quarter, one that befits its status as a beacon for modern London. To be able to welcome such a globally-celebrated artist as Jaume Plensa shows the draw of London Bridge – a district that has flourished in the last decade since The Shard opened its doors – while celebrating the very thing that drives the vibrancy of the area; people.”
James Sellar, Chief Executive of Sellar, developer and co-owner of The Shard, said: “Jaume Plensa is renowned for his public realm sculpture in cities across the world and we are proud to unveil this new London installation at The Shard. The piece, which explores ideas of heritage, spirituality, diversity and human connection will provide a new meeting and reference point for visitors to The Shard and London Bridge.”
Eliza Bonham Carter, Curator & Head of Royal Academy Schools, and a member of the Public Art Advisory Committee said: “Internationalism, communication, and beauty are all put to work in WE by Plensa, which celebrates the best that humanity can be in all its diversity. The work offers a moment of pause, play, reflection and wonder to all that encounter it.”
“WE” by Jaume Plensa, Shard, London, © Jonty Wilde Photography Ltd 2021
Mark Davy, Founder of Futurecity, said: “As The Shard serves as an international symbol of London, it deserves public art that reflects the international diversity of language and culture that makes us human. Jaume Plensa’s winning proposal of WE focuses on dialogue straddling the sides of Shard Quarter. It demonstrates the possibility of communication across divisions; a universal situation in which any and every person can identify. It gives permission to seize moments of contemplation and engage with their own sense of self in relation to others around them.”
Jean Frémon, CEO of Galerie Lelong & Co., said: “The city of London has historically played an important part in the development of public sculpture, and so it is natural that Jaume Plensa should be a part of this history, considering his crucial contribution to this field. We are grateful to REM and Futurecity for making this happen. At the very heart of the city, WE invites everyone to a moment of silent reflection.”
