Thomas J. Price’s Bronze Sculpture Welcomes Visitors to V&A East in London
British artist Thomas J. Price has unveiled his largest work to date, an 18-foot bronze sculpture titled “A Place Beyond,” at the entrance of the newly opened V&A East Museum in London. The statue depicts an anonymous young Black woman in contemporary attire, including Nike sneakers and a T-shirt, holding a phone while looking over her shoulder. This modern representation contrasts sharply with traditional statues of monarchs and saints found at the main Victoria and Albert Museum. Museum director Gus Casely-Hayford described the piece as a “reverse lighthouse” designed to welcome visitors, particularly young people from diverse local neighborhoods. The installation aims to foster a sense of belonging and reflection on identity among the community. The V&A East outpost, located near the V&A East Storehouse, focuses on themes of creativity, sustainability, and identity, having been shaped by consultations with students from over 100 local schools. This opening marks a significant cultural expansion for the institution in East London, emphasizing inclusivity and contemporary relevance in its public art and curation strategies.
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Thomas J. Price’s Bronze Sculpture Welcomes Visitors to V&A East in London
British artist Thomas J. Price has unveiled his largest work to date, an 18-foot bronze sculpture titled “A Place Beyond,” at the entrance of the newly opened V&A East Museum in London. The statue depicts an anonymous young Black woman in contemporary attire, including Nike sneakers and a T-shirt, holding a phone while looking over her shoulder. This modern representation contrasts sharply with traditional statues of monarchs and saints found at the main Victoria and Albert Museum. Museum director Gus Casely-Hayford described the piece as a “reverse lighthouse” designed to welcome visitors, particularly young people from diverse local neighborhoods. The installation aims to foster a sense of belonging and reflection on identity among the community. The V&A East outpost, located near the V&A East Storehouse, focuses on themes of creativity, sustainability, and identity, having been shaped by consultations with students from over 100 local schools. This opening marks a significant cultural expansion for the institution in East London, emphasizing inclusivity and contemporary relevance in its public art and curation strategies.
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