ART ON THE UNDERGROUND

Underground stations in London are quite exciting places. This statement might sound mundane for many people as if you think about these areas, they usually are too crowded on pick areas, or you pass by quickly, focus on catching the next train, and most of the times do not bother about observing what is happening around there. But to the eyes of an expat –and artist- metro stations possess a charm and become an exciting place to observe what happens around. The architecture, the spontaneous music performers, graffiti, theatre and movie posters, cafes and stores, even the fashion style of the London commuters, everything contributes to the experience.

A weeks ago, while making connections to arrive at my destination, without a plan, I found myself at Gloucester Road Station, and notice right there a huge installation consisting in graphics drawing panels, large-scale sculptures including giant fried eggs and an automated whisk, video screens and light effects. I knew later that the artwork was British artist Heather Phillipson’s creation and her work, with the title: ‘My name is lettie eggsyrub’ was part of Art on the Underground and initiative of Transport for London that aim to change the way people experience the city. Her work represents the nucleus of conflict, a big operative machine. The intention was to generate a parallel ‘scape’, a disturbance. People interact with the large scales eggs and encounter a similarity, we too begin as eggs. The artist exposes people to this representation that questions about fertility, strength, production, consumption and fragility.

Along Phillipson’s work Art on the Underground displayed other artists artworks around the city like:

The Bower of Bliss an 85-metre long street-level billboard by artist Linder at Southwark station.

Remain, Thriving, series of mural s by Njideka Akunyili Crosby at Brixton Underground Station

The presence of art in public spaces supported by the government, contribute significantly to the idea of the democratisation of art, making it accessible to all, creating a sense of community, identity and presence by enriching, what an everyday experience as the act of commuting every day seems to be.

This initiative, established in 2000, invites artists to create works to be then displayed in London’s Undergrounds where can be seen and experienced by millions every day.

Reference list:

https://art.tfl.gov.uk/