Fourth Plinth Sculpture: Antelope by Samson Kambalu
What’s New on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square?
A fantastic new sculpture, by Samson Kambalu, overlooks Trafalgar Square. Sited 28th September, 2022. Antelope’s is the 14th commission since the programme of artworks began in 1998. This is an imposing sculpture which overlooks and dominates the square from the Fourth Plinth. Find this sculpture on our Essential London Photography Tour .
Samson Kambalu is a renowned contemporary artist, writer, and academic who was born in Malawi in 1975. He is known for his diverse body of work, which includes visual art, performance, literature, and film. Kambalu often explores themes of colonialism, cultural identity, power dynamics, and social commentary in his artworks.
There are two figures on the plinth: Baptist preacher and pan-Africanist John Chilembwe and European missionary John Chorley. The sculpture is a restaging of a photograph taken in 1914. Chilembwe is wearing a hat in defiance of the colonial rule which forbade Africans wearing hats in front of white people.
There is a dramatic use of scale which exemplifies the under-representation of the African people by the British Empire. Chilembwe is larger than life, whereas Chorley is life size. Chilembwe has his back turned to Chorley. This is a tremendous sculpture which you must go and see for yourself.
Kambalu has exhibited his work internationally in solo and group exhibitions, including at prestigious venues such as Tate Modern in London, the Venice Biennale, and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. His artworks can be found in private and public collections worldwide.
In addition to his artistic practice, Kambalu is also an accomplished writer. He has published books, essays, and academic articles that explore themes related to art, philosophy, and African history.
Samson Kambalu’s multidisciplinary approach and thought-provoking artworks have established him as a significant voice in the contemporary art world, contributing to discussions on cultural heritage, identity, and the power dynamics of the post-colonial world. Find out more about this artist here, Samson Kambalu
Antelope by Samson Kambalu
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