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Smithson Plaza's contemporary art programme involves a rotating exhibition that builds on the site's important cultural history as one of the leading public art spaces in the city, reviving the Plaza's tradition as a prominent stage for London’s creative and artistic scene. Our curatorial approach remains dedicated to the Smithson's original vision of creating an 'active' public space to engage local audiences and stimulate dialogues.
The Plaza has a long history of platforming contemporary sculpture by acclaimed emerging and established artists. Since the 60's it has regularly housed important figures of post-war and contemporary sculpture including; Barbara Hepworth, Anthony Caro, Eduardo Paolozzi, Barry Flanagan, Mimmo Paladino among many others. Between 1998-2010 The Economist Group commissioned The Contemporary Art Society to exhibit works by over 50 contemporary artists at the site.
In recent years, we have curated exhibitions of a diverse group of institutionally recognised contemporary artists including; David Annesley, Olaf Breuning, Jean Dubuffet, Yves Dana, Alex Katz, Jordy Kerwick, Jedd Novatt, Zak Ove, Eva Rothschild and Sophia Vari. We have formed strategic partnerships with leading contemporary galleries known for their dedication to monumental contemporary sculpture. These include: Pace Gallery, Waddington Custot, Cass Sculpture Foundation, Timothy Taylor, Modern Art, Vigo Gallery and Metro Pictures.
Sculptures first exhibited as part of the programme have gone on to be exhibited at important institutions nationally including; Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Frieze Sculpture Park, The Victoria and Albert Museum, The Courtauld Institute of Art and The Design Museum. Zak Ove's 'Autonomous Morris' sculpture was named by Wallpaper Magazine as one of the 'outdoor art installations not to miss in 2018'. Contemporary sculpture on the Plaza continues to stimulate the imaginations of the estate's tenants and general public.