New art exhibitions and commissions
Tschabalala Self unveils “Lady in Blue” sculpture on London’s Trafalgar Square Fourth Plinth. (Artsy.Net)
Summary: American artist Tschabalala Self has unveiled Lady in Blue (2026) on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, the 16th commission in the programme’s history. The bronze sculpture, patinated with lapis lazuli blue, depicts a young Black woman striding forward and could remain on the plinth for two years. The commission follows the 2022 vandalism of Self’s earlier public sculpture Seated, which was spraypainted white in a racially motivated attack. Self responded to that incident by organizing a community cleanup day rather than a protest, and she says she is not nervous about the larger public stage.
Why it matters: The commission places a contemporary Black female figure on one of the world’s most significant platforms for public sculpture, with the artist explicitly framing her as a Londoner representing the city’s spirit rather than a commemorative figurehead.
Context: Three of Trafalgar Square’s four plinths hold permanent statues of 19th-century British figures; the fourth has been dedicated since 1998 to temporary commissions selected by The Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group.
"She is not an idol to venerate or a historic figurehead to commemorate,” the artist said in an interview with the Press Association. “She is a woman striding forward into our collective future with ambition and purpose. She is a Londoner, who represents the city’s spirit." — ARTSY.NET
Date: September 10, 2026 07:41 AM ET
URL: https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-tschabalala-unveils-lady-blue-sculpture-londons-trafalgar-square-fourth-plinth
Generated Analysis Tone: Positive (50%)
Source Registry Score: 10.0/10 — High
Generated text and tone describe the analysis; the source registry score is not a factual truth rating.Issy Wood selected as first artist in National Portrait Gallery’s new Focus program. (Artsy.Net)
Summary: Issy Wood has been named the inaugural artist for Artist Focus, a new contemporary program at London’s National Portrait Gallery dedicated to artists pushing the boundaries of portraiture. The program will present three solo displays each year, supported by the Gallery’s newly established Contemporary Council. Wood’s exhibition, “Issy Wood: Self-Portraits,” runs October 9, 2026, through February 28, 2027, in the Weston Wing, bringing together 12 self-portraits, seven of which have never been publicly exhibited. The show is free to enter.
Why it matters: The NPG, as the first portrait gallery in the world and the global centre for the study and appreciation of portraiture, is positioning itself as a platform for continued experimentation, showcasing trailblazing artists to inspire future generations.
Context: Self-portraiture has featured prominently in Wood’s recent institutional exhibitions, including “Fish, Fish, Duck” at Norway’s Kistefos Museum, her first major presentation in the Nordic region.
Date: September 08, 2026 11:18 AM ET
URL: https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-issy-wood-selected-first-artist-national-portrait-gallerys-new-focus-program
Generated Analysis Tone: Negative (66%)
Source Registry Score: 10.0/10 — High
Generated text and tone describe the analysis; the source registry score is not a factual truth rating.Post ID: 7251027d