Down at the fourth plinth

Anthony Gormley’s taken some time off from casting his impressive physique to take over Trafalgar Square’s unoccupied fourth plinth from Monday. I went down to see how the project was faring.

This first guy had a board with his phone number on, and as you can see, a panda costume. I learned later that he is part of some DJ collective with “panda” in the name. Expect his career to literally skyrocket. He’ll be DJing back to back with Pat Sharpe at office parties by Christmas time

The press were going mad for panda man.

Putting the bear in the cage.

I had high hopes when this next guy got up that he was on some kind of Jesus kick, preaching to the crowd, or possibly even the inevitable nudist, but it seemed, despite his slight eccentricity, he was just there to soak up the moment and occasionally shout “entertain me” in retort to the cries of “do something”.

The rain then poured, but as this guy’s stint was pretty uneventful, I stuck around for the next participant.

It was a rather dapper-looking gentleman who took a picnic set up with him. He poured himself a cup of tea and then told the crowd he would be reading a selection of poems and songs.

He then announced that he would first be reading William Blake’s “London”, after which he explained how William Blake was derided in his time because of the controversial nature of some of his work, just as some of our young poets/artists are now.

I was expecting some really “edgy”, controversial poetry from young artists.

He started by reading “Sheila” by Jamie T. Next up was “Thou Shalt Always Kill” by Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip. Enough to receive a public flogging in the 18th century (maybe).

Interesting.

Then Gormley showed up. I thought about getting a quick interview, but he was quickly surrounded by BBC crew. So as “the public are the artwork”, I asked a few by-standers what they thought.

Sion, Bristol

What do you think of the plinth?

So far, not that impressive, but I guess the length of the project is something I respect. Also I like the panda costume and the safety netting.

What would you do if you had an hour up there?

Take a piss!

Kapoor, London

What do you think of the plinth?

Well, it’s OK because they have to be for 100 days, that’s what I read in the paper. If they are depicting something special, relaying a message to the public, that’s good. But if they are just standing for fun, it is simply a waste of time and money for the people.

What would you do if you were on the plinth?

I would stand for peace, pray for peace.

Alex, Belfast

What do you think of the project?

At first I wasn’t sure, but I went into the National Gallery and read about the ideas behind it and it made a lot more sense to me. It’s celebrating ordinary people and showing the uniqueness of everyone.

What would you do if you were on the plinth?

Probably just enjoy the moment, be quite self-conscious about it. I don’t think I’d try to entertain the crowd too much.

Debbie, London

What do you think of the project?

Well, it’s not really my kind of thing, I’m more of a classical art fan, though I do admire the length it’s going on for.

So that was your friend in the panda costume earlier?

Yeah, he’s in a DJ collective called My Panda Shelf Lies, he was taking phone calls, holding up his number.

What would you do if you were on the plinth?

I suppose I would publicise something worthwhile, I’m not sure really.

Andrew, Swansea

So you’re going up tonight then?

Yes, I am on at 11 PM.

Why did you apply?

Well, I was a bit drunk, it was on a whim really. I’d heard about the project, I like his work, it was something a bit different, I never expected to be selected though!

Have you got any plans for when you’re up there?

Well, not really, I’ve got a little Welsh flag and a magnifying glass as well because I’m a bit nervous about everybody standing there looking at me so I thought I’d look at them. I’m not a performance artist, it’s just an honour to be selected really.