With “One & Other”, Gormley’s proposed a brilliant idea for a massive, public, personable exchange of artistic expression, which he describes as part of the “democratization of art.” Beginning on July 6th, every hour, for 100 days (2400 hours) a person will take to the top of the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square… and do whatever they want. Creating a “unique portrait of the UK int he 21st century”, the project will be opened for applications from anyone living in the UK and there’s room for 2400 people to take part.  To universalize the project, all 2400 hours will be streamed live online for the world to watch.

Watch this vid of Gormley himself describing his inspiration for the project, and if you live in the UK go here to register to find out when you can apply.

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I’m generally jealous of people who live in London, but this has me mentally salivating. I’m tempted to fake British citizenship just so I can apply to do this, but that would break the spirit of Gormley’s idea. And if there’s one thing I respect above most, it’s the sanctity and purity of an honest artistic idea.

Via Josh Spear