Source : Xinhua | English.news.cn
LONDON, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The London Underground system announced on Thursday that it would put a work of art on each of its 270 stations as part of celebrations to mark its 150th anniversary.
The 270 works of art have all been created by the same artist, Londoner Mark Wallinger. Each work is individual and all are based on a labyrinth design, emphasizing the connections between the stations and the network of rails, lines, and underground passages linking them.
The artworks need to be robust to survive in the hostile environment of the London Underground where they could be exposed to continual wear and tear, weathering or vandalism.
Each is in black and white on a single 60 centimeter squared vitreous enamel panel. Wallinger has previously created art for display on the empty fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square, among other commissions.
"The Underground has been part of my life since childhood. It's surely every artist's dream to create a permanent work that will be encountered by so many people and this opportunity is especially close to my heart," Wallinger said.
Tamsin Dillon, head of art at London Underground, said, "Ground-breaking art and design has always been part of London Underground. These striking, permanent black and white artworks are the perfect way to celebrate the Tube's 150th anniversary."
The first 10 art works were unveiled on Thursday at central London Underground stations.
London was the city with the world's first underground railway at the beginning of 1863.
