Naked Man in the Thames Up to Something? British Artist Antony Gormley’s Playful Spatial Dialogue

▲Sir Ian McKellen placed Antony Gormley’s sculpture works in the Thames. (Photo / Diamond Images)

Travel Center / Compiled from international news reports

Huh? Why is there a naked man standing in the middle of the river? This is the River Thames in the UK, but the British have long since stopped batting an eye at such sights—not because they’re indifferent, but because they know it must once again involve the renowned local sculptor Antony Gormley (Antony Gormley)!

This life-sized statue was purchased by British actor Sir Ian McKellen from Antony and placed in the Thames near his home on May 21. The figure in the river faces away from the shore, motionless, and at first glance can be quite startling. But this is actually Antony’s signature style—continuously engaging in a dialogue with “space.”

%It?D0?pure and scattered 0 statues. (Photo / Diamond Images)

Back in July 2010, Antony gave the British public quite a shock by installing 60 crouching, kneeling, lying, and prone human figures along the beach at Bexhill. The sight of what looked like a “field of bodies” left a deep impression on all who saw it.

Around the same time, Antony also dispatched 30 of his “finest” to take over the streets of New York. Whether on sidewalks, ledges, or rooftops, these figures turned up everywhere. These naked statues, situated at various locations and angles, seem almost like the artist’s own avatars, facing off against a crowd of hurried passersby and wondering where our “next step” will lead.

If you’re traveling to the UK, why not take a look at Antony’s work in the Thames? On the north bank, Narrow Street offers the best vantage point. Even if the tide comes in, don’t worry—the statue will appear as if it has lightness kung fu, creating the curious sight of “walking on water.” On the Rotherhithe side, the Pageants Stairs near the entrance to Lavender Dock also provide a lovely view.

%It also has other similar spatial art installations scattered around. (Photo / Diamond Images)