My London: Tschabalala Self as Lady in Blue is unveiled on Trafalgar Square Fourth Plinth

Home is ...Upstate New York. I’ve been living in the Hudson Valley since 2023. Previously, I lived in New Haven, CT. I’ve since moved my studio to the Village of Catskill. I enjoy living and working in a small town with a big city flare.What was your first show in London?My first show in London was in 2017 at The Parasol Unit. I was invited there by the institution's curator and director, Ziba Ardalan who organised the exhibition and hosted me in an apartment above the galleries. This was my first time spending more than a couple days in London. It was exciting to be so close to Shoreditch and to live above the museum for the week. Whenever I’m in London people always mention the show as being their first time introduced to my work.Artist Tschabalala Self stands with a scale model of her work "Lady in Blue" at the announcement of the shortlist for the next fourth plinth commission at the National GalleryGettyWhat would you do if you were Mayor of London for the day?If I was the Mayor of London for the day, I’d make all the museum exhibitions free and give everyone the day off to go see art and a stipend for fish and chips.Who is the most iconic Londoner in history?I know he’s a fictional character but, as an American, I’d have to say Sherlock Holmes. He was the first Londoner I became aware of. He was a great observer which is something that’s important to an artist. Does Sylvia Wynter count? She is one of my favourite practical philosophers and she was born a day before me, on May 11th. She studied at University of London.Where do you go and what do you do to have fun?Nowadays, for fun, I like to have a relaxing night-in with good friends, dinner, and conversation. In years past, I have had fun dancing late at Scala in King’s Cross.Where do you exercise in London?When I’m in London I walk everywhere so there’s really no need for much more exercise. But, I am on a bit of a health kick, so I’m thinking of checking out Third Space in Mayfair. The gym is close to Pilar Corrias Gallery, where my viewing room presentation will be this September. The exhibition opens one week after the Fourth Plinth unveiling.What's your biggest extravagance?I’m into buying really esoteric art supplies from abroad. Between the tariffs, shipping and material costs, I’m certain it’s not economical, but it’s something I can’t live without in the studio.What’s your London secret?Taking the bus, it’s a great way to see the city and get around with ease. I prefer public transport that’s above ground so, for me, the bus is really as luxurious as a black car.What are you up to at the moment for work?I’m currently preparing to travel to London for my Fourth Plinth Commission at Trafalgar Square on September 10th 2026. London is one of my favourite cities in the world and I am looking forward to being there again soon. Lady in Blue is the title of my sculpture which pays homage to a young, metropolitan woman—a quotidian figure—reflecting many of today's Londoners. The work was inspired by a desire to bring a contemporary 'everywoman' to Trafalgar Square. While in London, I’ll have a concurrent special project in the viewing room at Pilar Corrias Gallery, which will delve deeper in the concept of the “quotidian figure”.Who’s your hero/ professional hero? (Why? What do you learn from them?)I really admire Pilar Corrias, who’s been my gallerist in London since 2017. I love Pilar’s passion for her business and the artists she represents. Through that passion she’s been able to accomplish many great things with the community of artists she’s brought together with her program these past 10+ years.Read MoreWhat do you collect?The only thing I really collect is art. Not mine, but other people’s. Some of my favourite work is by Somaya Critchlow, who is a British artist based here in London. She works at a smaller scale, creating beautiful vignettes. Living with her work has been a joy.What’s your favourite work of art in London?Draped Seated Woman by Henry Moore, which currently stands in Cabot Square. I have long been fascinated by the many lives this sculpture has lived and the journey it has taken across England from the Stifford Estate to Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Its current home in the City of London at Canary Wharf is where I first encountered the work. Her presence and power are well felt. Formally, I am most struck by the depiction of drapery over her form.Draped seated woman by Henry Moore, pictured at Yorkshire Sculpture Park in WakefieldBethany Clarke/Getty ImagesWhat apps can you not live without in the city and why?Google Maps and Apple Music. For me, these apps work in tandem. They help me get around and with a nice beat. When I’m travelling I love to develop a playlist that’s tailored to each city. It’s a small way to romanticise my trip. While visiting London, I think I’ll start this new playlist with the PAP£R PLAN£$ by TSB, DC, Cristale.What’s the best meal you’ve had in London?The best meal I’ve had in London was at Hunan in Belgravia. It’s quite literally the best Chinese food I’ve had anywhere. I had the stir-fry with lamb which was delicious, and for dessert, the apple banana fritters with vanilla ice cream. I was there with a close friend and her now husband.Which 5 London shops/outlets do you rely on?While living in New York City, I worked at New York Central Art Supply, a historic, family-owned and -operated art supply store that eventually closed in 2016. Since then, I have always had a deep appreciation for independently owned art supply stores. London Graphic Centre, Stuart R. Stevenson, GreatArt London, L. Cornelissen & Son, and AP Fitzpatrick Fine Art Materials are five of my favourites in London. Each shop offers a slightly different selection of materials and a unique shopping experience.Tschabalala Self’s Fourth Plinth commission at Trafalgar Square is unveiled today