World-famous artists Gillie and Marc Schattner have launched a new sculpture in Kennington.
The Australian and British couple are known for their abstract sculptures of animals.
One of their latest projects saw the duo unveil a cast of a rhino and dog playing chess in an area which holds a special significance.
Gillie and Marc said: “Kennington is one of those special places with welcoming and diverse community.
“We love the feel of the area and love that it is now a place where people can stumble upon the sculpture and connect with its story.”
The district in south London known for its three significant landmarks of Kennington Park, The Oval cricket ground and The Imperial War Museum.
The new sculpture is out of the ordinary, but it holds a strong message behind it.
Rhino have been victims of poaching, which increased by 4% in Africa from 2022 to 2023.
The artists said: “This piece symbolizes the urgent need to protect endangered species and the power of support in facing these challenges.”
The message that Gillie and Marc have is clear and cut, hoping the public feels a sense of connection, compassion, and empowerment from their work.
The couple aim to foster empathy and inspire action by creating relatable artwork that speaks to share experiences of love, protection, and unity.
This isn’t the first time Gillie and Marc have launched public scuptures in London, as one exhibition that caught the public’s eye was last year’s A Wild Life for a WildLife.
The exhibition, displayed at London Bridge, focused on raising awareness of endangered species worldwide.
Picture credit: Trish Mayo via Flickr
Join the discussion