Bicameral

Bicameral by Conrad Shawcross RA is a large-scale sculptural commission for Chelsea Barracks, curated by Futurecity and located in the new garden square, Dove Place.

Futurecity began working with Chelsea Barracks in 2015 to identify public art opportunities across the masterplan. Appointed to lead the commissioning process, Futurecity developed the artist brief and managed the selection and delivery. Shawcross was selected by a panel including representatives from the V&A, Qatari Diar, local businesses and residents.

Standing 8 metres tall and made from 693 anodised aluminium components, Bicameral is constructed without welding using Japanese joinery techniques. Its branching canopy references natural forms and the structure of neural networks.

Positioned near the historic Chelsea Physic Garden, the sculpture reflects the local botanical heritage and the emphasis on craft and materiality within the development. Visitors are invited to pause beneath the canopy, using the space as a moment of stillness and reflection within the public realm.

Blending elements of science, design and philosophy, Bicameral forms part of a wider public art vision at Chelsea Barracks.

Year

2019

Client

Qatari Diar

Artists

Conrad Shawcross RA

Partners

Sculpture Workshop

Location

London

Service

Public Art Curation & Commissioning

Sector

Public Realm

Type

Sculpture

The name Bicameral came from ‘The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind’, by Julian Jaynes; Jaynes’s book theorises that consciousness evolved out of the use of language, particularly metaphors. The sculpture is a progression of bifurcating and trifurcating elements that fan out from a stem loosely forming two hemispheres or sides.”

Conrad Shawcross RA