London needs a positive sign, says David Shrigley, artist behind Really Good, the Fourth Plinth ‘thumbs-up’

Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "The giant thumbs-up is wonderfully optimistic"
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Rashid Razaq29 September 2016

The artist who created the new Fourth Plinth sculpture told today how he initially intended it as a joke — but now thinks Londoners could do with a “positive message”.

David Shrigley’s work Really Good, a giant thumbs-up, is the 11th modern art piece to go on display at the Trafalgar Square site. The artist told the Standard it is intended to be “satirical and sincere” but said he is happy for the public to draw their own interpretation.

Shrigley, who has backed Mayor Sadiq Khan’s #LondonIsOpen campaign by designing “Everyone Welcome” posters for the Underground, told how his view of the piece had changed since he first envisaged it.

“When I proposed it four years ago I never thought I would get the commission,” he said.

“At the time, I was thinking of political satire, a public artwork making a positive comment about the worst kind of social ills that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Then I got the commission and started looking at this ridiculous statement. As an artist you have to think art can make the world a better place even if you’re dealing with dark subject matter.”

He added: “I was rather dispirited by the vote to leave the EU. It has happened and we must abide by it.

“But when the Mayor’s office got in touch saying they wanted to do something positive (with #LondonIsOpen) to celebrate the city’s diversity as an accepting place for anyone and everyone, I thought perhaps that positive message needs to be said.”

Mr Khan unveiled the sculpture today and made clear he sees it as sincere rather than satirical. “The giant thumbs-up is wonderfully optimistic,” he said. “It shows that London is open to the world and that we remain full of creativity and positivity.

“Shrigley’s distinct talent is his ability to capture the imaginations of people of all ages and backgrounds and I know this will be an incredibly successful commission, adding to London’s status as a cultural powerhouse.”

Deputy mayor for culture and creative industries Justine Simons, who masterminded the Fourth Plinth commission, said: “For 17 years, the plinth has brought the art critic out in us all.

“David Shrigley’s Really Good is the 11th sculpture on the plinth and I’m delighted to see it in all its glory.

“Putting world-class art into the heart of London for free is what the Fourth Plinth is all about. I’m sure that, over coming months, hundreds and thousands of Londoners and visitors will be captivated by Shrigley’s big ‘thumbs-up’ to the greatest city on the planet.

“The piece’s witty message of simple optimism will show that London is open to ideas, to creativity, to innovation and that our doors are open to the world. It really is really good.”

The Fourth Plinth - in pictures

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