Tschabalala Self’s first public art commission focuses on domestic space at Coal Drops Yard

Avant Arte, the creative marketplace that makes discovering and owning art more accessible, has delivered its first public art programme.

This is Tschabalala Self’s first public art commission, inspired by her current body of work which focuses on domestic space and trappings.

The artist has created a large bronze sculpture of a seated figure, bringing her exploration of the domestic into the public realm and exploring the significance of taking up space and taking a seat.

The sculpture, Seated, is located on the northern entrance to Coal Drops Yard in Lewis Cubitt Square, King’s Cross.

It is accompanied by online programming and a pop-up in Coal Drops Yard that delves into Self’s practice, opening it up to new audiences.

The pop-up, which is open until Sunday, October 16 from 11am-7pm, Monday-Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday, offers collectors and members of the public an opportunity to dive into Self’s practice with two short films being screened — one bringing to life the making of Seated, and another featuring individual responses to the idea of sitting and what it means to take a seat.

Two editions encompassing 25 bronze sculptures and 12 silk screen prints have been released by Avant Arte and are also on display in the pop-up.

In addition, Pilar Corrias will present a solo exhibition by Tschabalala Self, called Home Body across its Savile Row and Eastcastle Street galleries until December 17.

Showcasing large-scale paintings, works on paper, furniture and sculpture, the exhibition will investigate domestic space.

Tschabalala Self said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing how audiences respond and engage with this work – my first static public artwork and first time working at this scale.

“I wanted to reference the quotidienne with this sculpture, choosing the act of taking a seat as a daily, universal gesture of leisure and calm.

“I wanted to create a monumental sculpture for the public, in a public space, that spoke to this simple joy while acknowledging the power such a simple gesture can have in asserting one’s right to take up space in this realm.”

Picture: Tschabalala Self, Seated, 2022 Picture: Avant Arte, Lucy Emms