The latest sculpture to grace Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth, Lady in Blue, was unveiled last week.

The work of New York artist Tschabalala Self, the bronze sculpture features a dress painted a vibrant blue and jewellery replicating the colour of lapis lazuli, used as a pigment since ancient times.

“My work Lady in Blue will bring to Trafalgar Square a woman that many can relate to,” says Self. “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.”

Self added: “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.”

Lady in Blue is the 16th sculpture commissioned for the Fourth Plinth and follows on from Teresa Margolles’ Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times in an Instant).

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 are selected by the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, chaired by Ekow Eshun. The decision is informed by the public who are invited to have their say on shortlisted works.

Lady in Blue will move to a permanent location in Fornebu, Norway, after it leaves Trafalgar Square in 2028.