A video artwork installation that celebrates the vibrant culture of Soho will be launched at Tottenham Court Road station next Thursday, 1 February.
The undergroundoverheard artwork is by award-winning artist Douglas Gordon and will be presented by Transport for London (TfL) and sponsors Almacantar, the City of London Corporation, and Derwent London.
undergroundoverheard is one of several artworks commissioned for the Elizabeth line by the Crossrail Art Programme, which is one of the largest collaborative public art commissioning processes in a generation.
Other artwork in the programme include A Sunday Afternoon in Whitechapel by Chantal Joffe at Whitechapel station and Manifold (Major Third) 5:4 by Conrad Shawcross at Liverpool Street station.
undergroundoverheard is located at the Dean Street entrance to the Elizabeth line at Tottenham Court Road station. It consists of a looped video on a large screen that builds on text-based artworks with short statements such as “I forgive you,” “Nothing will ever be the same” and “It's better to know” that provoke thoughts for the the viewer or listener to speculate.
The texts in undergroundoverheard have been transformed into a video for the first time, appearing and disappearing on the screen as they travel from top to bottom and side to side to reflect the transience of travel. With the texts also translated into many of the languages heard around London, it highlights the city as being dynamic and, multicultural, and reflects Soho's vibrancy and the international visitors who use the Elizabeth Line to travel through the area.
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “Douglas Gordon's undergroundoverheard is a wonderful addition to the Elizabeth line. Translated into different languages, it celebrates our capital's greatest strength – our diversity. This programme, alongside Art on the Underground, delivers amazing creative works to the travelling public every day, bringing us joy, encouraging us to stop and think and making art accessible to all, helping us build a better London for everyone.”
Eleanor Pinfield, Head of Art on the Underground at TfL, said: “The launch of undergroundoverheard marks a major moment for Douglas Gordon, with his text works compiled into a dynamic video artwork for the first time. It is an exciting moment for Tottenham Court Road station, with an artwork that celebrates the breadth of global cultures in the area the station serves.
“These cryptic, open-ended statements will make customers from all backgrounds pause for thought, taking them on a reflective, thoughtful journey in their minds as they travel on the renowned Elizabeth line.”
Chair of Crossrail Arts Foundation, Michael Cassidy said: “Celebrating the vibrant tapestry of London's cultural mosaic, the City of London Corporation proudly supports Douglas Gordon's video installation, undergroundoverheard, as part of the Crossrail Art Programme. We are honoured to contribute to funding this landmark public art initiative, enriching the urban experience and fostering contemplation among travellers from every corner of the globe.”
Kathrin Hersel, Executive Director at Almacantar said: “undergroundoverheard is a brilliant addition to one of London's most dynamic stations, which is now seeing higher visitor numbers than most other West End stations. It epitomises the multitude of cultures that call London home and brings us together by welcoming everyone to this new vibrant centre of the city. We spend a lot of time rushing around and I hope this artwork encourages us to slow down, take a look around and listen.”
Derwent London said: “Derwent London is delighted to support Douglas Gordon's artwork Undergroundoverhead which celebrates London's diverse and multicultural heritage, and sits alongside the above-ground artwork at Soho Place.”
