Not, a spectacular picture, I’ll admit, but as Antony Gormley’s ‘Blind Light’ exhibition comes to a close on Sunday, The Hayward Gallery will be looking back at spectacular ticket sales for the series of (as its website quotes) ‘monumental works specifically designed for The Hayward’s distinctive spaces’.
The most-visited exhibition in the South Bank institution’s 39-year history, it has of course, seen one of the largest-ever public art commissions. Cast-iron statues of the sculptor’s body have been looking out from the rooftops of the high-rises and towers of London landmarks since May.
The ‘Event Horizon’ works have captured the imagination of the general public, with reports of near-suicidal sightings, as bystanders think that the seemingly comatose state, zombie-like figures are real-life jumpers. Littering the South Bank and areas around it, I even spotted one on top of the Freemason’s Hall, which can be seen from our office’s fifth floor terrace.
Trying to spot more of the ‘jumpers’ has been an often-played game on recent evening walks along the favoured stretch of the river. Nestling in-between, and peeping through cranes and window-cleaning cradles, they could be easily mistaken for other rooftop office architecture.
But from Monday, officially all the ‘jumpers’ will have jumped, and the skyline will be given over to the birds, clouds, and planes once more, which will be a shame. If you’re out and about in the capital this weekend, and find yourself near the South Bank, take a look upwards. The London skyline won’t be as engaging again.
Last-minute tickets for the indoor exhibition at The Hayward itself can be bought here.
