V&A East Unveils Thomas J Price’s Monumental ‘A Place Beyond’
Thomas J Price, celebrated for recontextualizing 21st-century statuary, has unveiled his monumental new sculpture, “A Place Beyond,” outside the upcoming V&A East museum in Stratford. Soaring 18 feet high, it is Price’s tallest work to date, embodying his distinctive ‘everyperson’ style. The bronze depicts a fictionalized young individual in casual attire—trainers, jeans, and a baggy t-shirt—with a phone in hand, gazing towards a horizon of possibilities. This artistic choice aligns with V&A East Director Gus Casely-Hayford’s vision for the museum, aiming to create an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and represented.
The sculpture offers multiple benefits, most notably generating significant buzz for the V&A East, which is set to open its doors on April 18th. Much like Price’s earlier “Reaching Out”—which commented on technology and the marginalization of Black women—”A Place Beyond” continues this dialogue, reflecting contemporary life and our relationship with digital devices. Its imposing yet relatable presence is expected to become a prominent landmark and a popular meeting point in the area, with locals humorously envisioning rendezvous instructions like, “I’m standing next to the really, really big person.”
The V&A East’s opening will feature the free “Why We Make Galleries,” showcasing over 500 objects spanning art, design, and fashion, alongside a paid exhibition, “The Music is Black: A British Story.” This new venue complements the nearby V&A East Storehouse, which opened last year to critical acclaim. “A Place Beyond” not only enhances the museum’s public appeal but also reinforces its commitment to accessible art that resonates with diverse audiences, making a powerful statement about identity and potential in a modern urban landscape. The article does not mention any specific risks associated with the sculpture.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/art-and-photography/a-place-beyond-statue-thomas-j-price-v-a)
