In Anticipation

In Anticipation

A public sculpture commissioned by Brookfield Properties, invites you to imagine what happens next

Year
2018
Material
Painted Steel
Size
2500 x 7500 x 4000mm

CONCEPT

Referencing traditional sculptures seen across the capital, the waiting figure appears to have descended from its plinth and is perched against it.

Echoing a seemingly playful hand-drawn sketch, the figure leans forward expectantly with its head looking back towards the high street. Capturing the themes of suspense, vulnerability, optimism, and possibility, the sculpture explores the limitless possibilities of our next thought. Created by Acrylicize founder James Burke and commissioned by Brookfield Properties to stand outside Amazon’s head office in Plaza Square, the larger-than-life sculpture weighs in at 1.2 tonnes and suggests that in our defining moments -- moments that would see us immortalized on such a pedestal -- we are more vulnerable than the traditional depictions may suggest.

IN ANTICIPATION

INITIAL SKETCH

Echoing a seemingly playful hand-drawn sketch, the waiting figure appears to have descended from its plinth and is perched against it.

Meet the artist

James Burke is the founder and Creative Director of Acrylicize, and a practicing artist in his own right. His philosophy has always been to challenge art’s dependency on the gallery institution, making work that focuses on accessibility and the desire to positively connect people with their environment. His work draws on themes of art as a commodity, fusing a wide range of disciplines from fine art and graphic design to interior design and architecture.

Behind the build

800 pieces of mild steel tubing were shaped by hand and expertly welded before being painted.

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