Plinth.

London’s Trafalgar Square is flanked by four elevated plinths. The two southern plinths house two military generals. The two northern plinths are larger and were originally designed to hold equestrian mounted figures. The northeastern plinth was completed with George IV mounted stately on his horse. The northwest plinth was to hold an equestrian statue of King William IV, but as with many projects, the money ran out.

When the money runs out, some of the most impactful projects emerge as was the case with the fourth plinth.. After 150 years of debate regarding the fate of the plinth, the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of the Arts) commissioned three works of art to be displayed on the plinth. This commenced the fourth plinth as a public place for artists. Acting as an “artistic megaphone,” topics of significance by international artists are permitted in public conversations sparked by the visual prompt looming overhead on this 23’ tall platform at the base of the National Gallery stairs in the square.

Currently, Antelope by Malawi born artist, Samson Kambalu, is on display through 2023. This resin, stainless steel, and bronze sculpture is based on a 1914 photograph of pan-Africanist Baptist preacher John Chilembwe and European missionary John Chorley. It challenges the meaning of classic materials of the past with the contemporary culture wars of today. Both men, one double the size of the other, wear hats as an act of defiance. At the time, black men were not allowed to wear hats in the presence of their colonial rulers. In this context, they stand proud at the same elevation of their oppressors.

What social plinth in the public square is ready for your artistic voice?