Veronica Ryan
Fourth Plinth Shortlist, National Gallery, London
19 February 2024
Alison Jacques is pleased to announce that Veronica Ryan OBE RA has been shortlisted for one of the the next iterations of Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth installation.
Ryan is one of seven artists shortlisted. Her proposal, ‘Sweet Potatoes and Yams are Not the Same’, positions the humble potato as a centre for global conversations. All potatoes originate from Peru, but are now eaten globally in different forms – yams and sweet potatoes are often thought of as the same vegetable, despite belonging to different families. Trafalgar Square is central to today’s global conversations, a site for demonstrations - presenting a sweet potato island on a plinth in an urban space speaks of possible transformation in the city. The tree-like vines will pass messages to each other through lateral root systems, and to Westminster itself. It reminds us of the urgent and necessary dialogue between nations and acts as a site of contemplation.
The maquette for Ryan’s proposal is on view at the National Gallery until 17 March 2024. The two winning ideas will be announced in March and installed on the fourth plinth in 2026 and 2028 respectively.
To vote for Ryan’s proposal, click the link below.