Clare's 4th Plinth

After the completion of renovations in H Stair and the North Passage, the College found that the blank wall adjacent to Small Hall stood starkly against its newly refreshed surroundings, reminiscent of the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square. To address this, the College established a "4th Plinth" committee, inviting students, staff, Fellows, and alumni to submit their artwork for a unique competition. A judging panel, composed of college members, selected the winning pieces, which were then proudly displayed on the wall at the start of the Easter term. This initiative not only enlivened the space but also showcased the diverse artistic talents within the College community.

Below are the seven winning submissions:

Kirsty Bekoe-Tabiri

Mitosis – digital painting

This piece reflects ‘the human condition’ (especially birth, growth, death and renewal) occurring even on a microscopic level. Rapidly dividing cells are drawn in the process of creating solid, breathing life. Whilst painting, I questioned what it means to be alive and to be human; both thinking and feeling.

Anna Berman

Nico – cloth collage

Twenty years ago, I began working in calicos (in the American sense of that term, i.e. cotton fabric with a small, all-over floral print). Each fabric has its own pattern, but takes on different meanings when placed in combination with others. They also carry associations, as many are scraps from quilts or clothing my mother or I made. Cloth is a traditionally domestic medium, so using it in portraiture—a genre with a long history linked to formal depictions of elites—adds intimacy to the pieces.

Sally Edser

Ag/nostos – textile

Inspired by the dangers experienced by asylum seekers when getting to a safe country, this piece explores how these sea crossings have been a common theme through time, reimagining Odysseus’ homecoming (or nostos) in the Odyssey through this lens. It focuses on the tragedy of the lives of Odysseus’ crewmates lost at sea from the perspective of their mothers on Ithaca, rather than Odysseus' own triumphant return. The woven medium, as a traditionally feminine craft, is used to centre these women's hope and grief as they wait in vain for their sons’ return.

Sylvia Lu

Spectrum of Existence - acrylic on canvas

Spectrum of Existence reminds us that life's beauty comprises both light and dark moments. Just as hardships can overshadow our joys in life, it is important to embrace a comprehensive view that celebrates all facets of our experiences, recognising the full spectrum of life's rich tapestry.

Katyuli Lloyd

Roumeli - pencil, ink, chinagraph, and mixed media

Designing new book covers for Leigh Fermor's Mani and Roumeli was one of my first commissions after a Masters in Children's Book Illustrations. It held particular resonance, since my family had strong ties with Greece since the 1920s; I studied its ancient and modern languages, including at Clare College. This cover for Roumeli depicts St Varlaam monastery in Meteora, dating from 1350.

Anna Viehauser

Four Friends on Grantchester Street – oil on cardboard

This piece is based on a photograph taken during a walk to Grantchester at the beginning of December with a group of friends, both to explore and escape. It aims to capture the late afternoon winter light, and the feeling of calling a new place – and new people – home.

Lucy Westwood

Dahlia from my Grandfather’s Garden – coloured pencil

I spent many hours colouring red across the page to complete this piece. The purple offers contrast and depth, drawing your focus to the centre. The red dahlia offers a vibrant celebration of the restoration of Clare College gardens and representation of the love of horticulture demonstrated by many alumni.

The competition will now run annually, providing a rotating display of artwork from across the College community.