Tschabalala Self unveils ‘Lady in Blue’ on London’s Fourth Plinth

New York-based artist Tschabalala Self has unveiled ‘Lady in Blue’ on London’s Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. The five-meter-tall bronze sculpture depicts a contemporary Black woman in a vivid blue dress and statement heels, captured mid-stride.

Self describes the figure as an ‘everywoman’ intended to represent ambition, agency, and a shared future rather than a traditional historical monument. The artist stated that the work aims to direct attention toward the future, noting that ‘Black people need to be understood as being persons.’

The installation has drawn varied reactions. While City Hall and various media outlets have praised the work as a symbol of confidence and a contemporary representation of personhood, some members of the public have criticized the sculpture, characterizing it as a product of identity politics.