Tschabalala Self Unveils ‘Lady In Blue’ On London’s Iconic Fourth Plinth

A towering Black woman in a striking blue outfit has become the latest figure to command attention in London’s Trafalgar Square following the unveiling of American artist Tschabalala Self’s Lady in Blue.

The monumental bronze sculpture was unveiled on Thursday, September 10, taking its place on the Fourth Plinth, one of the UK’s most prominent platforms for contemporary public art.

Standing more than five metres tall, the sculpture portrays a woman caught mid-stride, appearing to move confidently through the square. Its vivid blue finish draws inspiration from lapis lazuli, the semi-precious stone historically used to produce the prized blue pigment.

Rather than depicting a famous individual or historical personality, Self created the work as a contemporary representation of an everyday woman.

“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,” Self said.

The artist said the figure represents someone striding into the future with ambition, purpose and optimism.

Lady in Blue is the 16th artwork to occupy the Fourth Plinth since the programme began. It replaces Teresa Margolles’ Mil Veces un Instante and will remain in Trafalgar Square until September 2028.

Self, who was born in New York in 1990, is known for colourful representations of Black women through painting, sculpture, textiles and collage.

The new commission also marks a significant return to public sculpture in Britain for Self, following the vandalism of her earlier work Seated in 2022. Despite that experience, the artist has said she remains optimistic about the new work and its place in London.