Commissioned by Great Western Developments
Curated by LACUNA
This ambitious art initiative represents a major investment into the public realm by Great Western Developments, who commissioned the public art programme, and is curated by LACUNA.
Great Western Developments, owner of Paddington Square, have commissioned internationally significant public works of art by artists Ugo Rondinone, Pae White and Catherine Yass, alongside an annual rotating programme of temporary artworks by Kathrin Böhm, Long Distance Press and Harold Offeh (to be installed in summer 2026).
LACUNA’s mission was to activate the site as a civic space and urban destination whilst presenting an engaging and exciting art programme. It represents the inclusivity and diversity of the local community and London at large. Lacuna’s curatorial approach was to be pro-active and invest in long-term community engagement with local initiatives, which resulted in an ongoing partnership with The Showroom for the annual rotating programme of temporary works. The result is a fully engaged and engaging programme, which addresses the new building in the round and utilises art as a signifier (Ugo Rondinone), as murals on St Mary’s hospital buildings (Catherine Yass, Kathrin Böhm, Long Distance Press and Harold Offeh) and incorporated into the building above the new underground station entrance (Pae White).
Ugo Rondinone, yellow orange hermit & Kathrin Böhm, Why do we care about art?
Install view photograph by Oliver Dixon © Paddington Square
“LACUNA conducted extensive research into the neighbourhood, working with local communities and engaging with a diverse set of stakeholders, greatly enriching our curatorial approach and the development of these landmark commissions with leading contemporary artists. While lockdown presented us with new challenges, it also allowed us to develop novel methods for critical engagement with the evolving cultural conversation.”
Stella Ioannou, Director and Jade Niklai, Associate Curator, LACUNA
