Recently Knighted artist Michael Craig-Martin has reimagined the iconic London Underground roundel at Southwark station in collaboration with Tate Modern and Art on the Underground to celebrate the launch of the new Tate extension.
The roundel will take on Craig-Martin’s characteristically fresh palette for the opening weekend of the new Tate Modern and will be in place from early morning on Friday 17 June to last thing on Sunday 19 June. The artworks will welcome visitors at the platforms at Southwark Tube station, the Underground stop closest to Tate Modern.
Frances Morris, Director of Tate Modern, said: “As art changes, we are changing. So it’s fitting to change this London icon for the opening weekend of the new Tate Modern. Michael’s artwork will be a fantastic addition to the weekend with the roundels being the first artwork people encounter when they travel to Southwark station. We are always looking at innovative ways to take art beyond the gallery walls and this fits the bill perfectly.”
Eleanor Pinfield, Head of Art on the Underground, said: “We’re delighted to share Michael Craig-Martin’s fresh take on the roundel with our customers at Southwark Tube station. Working with leading artists is at the core of our aim to present extraordinary public art to our customers, and this vibrant new commission celebrates Tate Modern’s significant cultural contribution with a link to its local Tube station.”
Michael Craig-Martin said: “It is particularly nice to have the opportunity to play a little with such a classic motif as the Tube roundel. I hope that it catches the eye and the imagination of people arriving to see the extraordinary new Tate Modern. ”
The roundel takeover forms part of the Art of the Underground programme, which aims to improve customer journeys on the London Underground through inspiring public art.
The opening of the new Tate Modern will be celebrated by free live performances, new commissions and a host of other special events, and it will stay open until 22:00 each evening over the weekend.
Photo © P C Robinson 2016