London’s Sculpture Extravaganza: Unveiling Artistic Marvels Across the City

It’s London Sculpture Week, running from September 21–29, an exciting celebration of sculpture that offers a captivating array of activities for art lovers across the city.

As we look forward to Frieze Sculpture’s eagerly awaited 12th edition, curator Faţos Üstek has brought together an extraordinary collection, showcasing the diversity of sculpture as a medium. With works incorporating sound, light, performance, painting, video, and augmented reality, this year’s exhibition promises to be truly special.

The event is free to attend and runs at London’s Regent’s Park from September 18 to October 27, 2024. Featuring 22 leading international artists from five continents, this year’s lineup includes renowned figures such as Theaster Gates, Yoshimoto Nara, and Zanele Muholi, whose works are thoughtfully placed throughout the park.

For more information on the artists and their works, visit: https://www.frieze.com/fairs/frieze-sculpture.

Personally, I’m excited to discover the 18 new works debuting this year, and to experience a fantastic piece that I have not seen before by one of my favourite artists, The Dancer (El Bailarín), 2011, by Leonora Carrington.

These artists’ unique approaches promise to engage visitors on multiple levels, offering a thought-provoking journey through the evolving world of contemporary sculpture and one can deeply engage, as the exhibition will feature an extensive public program of live activations and curator-led tours.

This year also marks the debut of Bloomberg Connects as the Official Digital Guide for Frieze Sculpture. Accessible through the Bloomberg Connects app, the free guide offers exclusive content and an audio tour of the works narrated by curator Faţos Üstek, available for the entire duration of the exhibition.

But the celebration doesn’t stop there! Don’t miss another key event happening in the heart of London’s City district: Sculpture in the City.

Sculpture in the City: Art in the Urban Landscape

Running from July 24, 2024, through Spring 2025, the 13th edition of Sculpture in the City transforms London’s urban realm into a dynamic, rotating gallery space.

This year’s collection features 17 stunning artworks by 15 artists, including Arturo Herrera, (see here: https://www.sculptureinthecity.org.uk/artworks/untitled-7/ ) Ida Ekblad ( https://www.sculptureinthecity.org.uk/artworks/book-of-boredom/ ) Clare Burnett ( https://www.sculptureinthecity.org.uk/artworks/secret-sentinels/ ) and Julian Opie (https://www.sculptureinthecity.org.uk/artworks/charles-jiwon-nethaneel-elena/ )to name a few.

To see all 17 works online see here: https://www.sculptureinthecity.org.uk/artwork/13th-edition/ . Sculpture in the City invites you to explore these diverse works, beautifully integrated into London’s architectural landscape, creating a unique interaction between contemporary art and the city’s vibrant streets. Be sure to book your spot for the free activation programme, which includes workshops, talks, and tours. (See here: https://www.sculptureinthecity.org.uk/activation-programme/). This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of the featured works and engage directly with the artists.

The closest rail stations are Liverpool Street, Moorgate, and Fenchurch Street. Underground stations include Liverpool Street, Bank, Monument, and Aldgate.

So don’t miss these two spectacular celebrations of sculpture that showcase London at its artistic best!

(Photo: Taken at a previous Frieze fair. Sculpture by artist Tim Etchells ”Don't Look Back, 2022”, Corten Steel, VITRINE, London/Basel.)