Lady in Blue Unveiled on London’s Fourth Plinth

Lady in Blue is the 16th Fourth Plinth commission since the programme began and follows on from Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times in an Instant) by Teresa Margolles. The work pays homage to a young, metropolitan woman — a quotidian figure — reflecting many of today’s Londoners.  The work was inspired by a desire to bring a contemporary ‘everywoman’ to Trafalgar Square. 

Made of bronze, the dress is painted a vibrant blue and the jewellery worn by the figure replicates the colour of lapis lazuli, a rare rock which has been used as a pigment since antiquity.

Self was announced as winning the commission in March 2024, along with Andra Ursuţa whose work will be unveiled on the Fourth Plinth in 2028. The artists were independently chosen by the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, chaired by Ekow Eshun OBE. The public were invited to have their say on the shortlisted artworks, which informed the decision of the commissioning group. 

Tschabalala Self said: “My work Lady in Blue will bring to Trafalgar Square a woman that many can relate to. She is not an idol to venerate or a historic figure to commemorate. She is an everyday person much like the many who occupy the square daily. She is striding forward into our collective future with ambition, purpose and optimism. I have always found London to be an inspiring city, London is to thank for many milestones in my life. My first institutional show was held here in London, along with my first major gallery exhibition. I have come to know London as a truly global metropolis, and Lady In Blue reflects the sophistication of this city."