The iconic “Fourth Plinth” in Trafalgar Square now hosts “A Thousand Times an Instant”, a poignant sculpture by Mexican artist Teresa Margolles. This plaster artwork, featuring the faces of 726 trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals, will be on display for the next two years.
A tribute to the trans community
Teresa Margolles’ sculpture is a heartfelt homage to her late friend Carla, a transgender woman brutally murdered in Ciudad Juárez. The artist aims to honor Carla and highlight the violence faced by the trans community, particularly in Latin America, where hate crimes are alarmingly prevalent.
Photos : Mor Carpenter, Fourth Plinth/London/DR
Personal stories cast in plaster
The sculpture, described by Margolles as “small in size but powerful in essence,” captures the personal stories of each individual. The plaster molds, created in Mexico City, Juárez, and London, were applied directly to the participants’ faces, preserving their features and essence.
Visibility and solidarity
Grecia Herrera, who collaborated closely with Margolles, emphasized the international visibility this sculpture brings to trans women. The artwork not only showcases the resilience and humanity of the trans and non-binary community but also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and disappearances, especially in Latin America.
Photos : Mor Carpenter, Fourth Plinth/London/DR
A controversial memorial
While the sculpture has been praised for its artistic and emotional impact, it has also sparked debate. Critics argue that it exaggerates the risks faced by trans individuals in countries like the UK, where research suggests they are less likely to be murdered compared to the general population. This controversy highlights the broader issue of violence against women, which remains a critical concern globally.
Call for awareness
Margolles’ work brings attention to the harsh realities faced by the trans community, urging society to acknowledge and address these issues. The installation at Trafalgar Square stands as a powerful symbol of solidarity, remembrance, and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
Photos : Mor charpenter/ Fourth Plinth/London/DR
