IQL Unveils New Sculpture by Lothar Götz

International Quarter London (IQL) in Stratford, East London, has today unveiled a new sculpture by Lothar Götz entitled Porte de Couleur. Working with international curatorial collective Artwise, the piece is the first in a series of commissions of public art by IQL which will extend 'The Line', London's first dedicated contemporary art walk.

The Line, launched in May 2015, was conceived as an outdoor exhibition space to encourage locals and visitors to London to engage with modern and contemporary art, whilst also discovering this lesser-known part of the city, its wildlife and heritage.

It broadly follows the 'line' of the Greenwich meridian, running from North Greenwich to Stratford, between the Greenwich peninsula (The O2) and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Götz' Porte de Couleur will join existing pieces by artists such as Damien Hirst, Gary Hume and Antony Gormley.

Götz, who was born in Germany but has lived in Newham for the past 25 years, was commissioned by IQL to create a piece that complemented the rest of the work in The Line but was distinctive in its own right. The architectural sculpture features coloured glass triangles within an intersecting line, forming open 'walls' and a 'roof' that allow the public to interact with the sculpture and its space. The resulting piece acts as a gateway to IQL, welcoming people into an inclusive environment.

Andrew Tobin, Project Director at International Quarter London of Lendlease said: "East London has already established a solid reputation as a hub of creativity and cultural talent, and Stratford makes a strong contribution to that. At IQL we want to draw on our environment and play our part in nurturing artistic opportunities and experiences for those who spend time here. We are really proud to introduce Lothar's sculpture, and to now be a part of this great community of artists who make up The Line."

Lothar Götz, artist said: "This is a unique and unusual site on different levels that will act as a gateway to the gardens for the public. I want the artwork to be playful, interactive and, above all, welcoming. The special view from above that the residents will enjoy is also an important aspect for me: my aim is to make this aerial view like an abstract drawing to look at and enjoy from above"

"In addition to the materials (steel and coloured glass) used for building the sculpture, light forms an important element: light interacts with the coloured glass and creates reflections that animate and complete the sculpture. These compositions of reflections constantly change in line with the changing light conditions of the day or year."

David Joy, Chief Executive of LCR, said: "IQL is fast becoming a vibrant new cultural destination for the capital. With plans to welcome internationally recognised creative institutions including the V&A and Sadler's Wells Theatre already in the pipeline, our new art installation is the next step in the creation of a contemporary, forward-thinking destination to live, work and play in London. We're excited to continue welcoming great talent to IQL."

IQL has been designed to be a visually engaging environment for all, from those who occupy the workspaces and residential buildings, to visitors enjoying the public space. The interactive nature of Porte de Couleur draws on this aim to create moments of surprise and inspiration throughout the public realm. Art and culture at IQL will be further amplified by British Council's arrival in early 2020.