New life on the fourth plinth

The latest commission for Trafalgar Square's Fourth Plinth was unveiled earlier today. Under a canopy of traditional London cloud, but in unseasonable heat, a crowd gathered to see the work by German artist Katharina Fritsch. As London Mayor Boris Johnson took to the stage, the black canvas was pulled away to reveal a giant, ultramarine cockerel sitting atop the plinth. The Mayor gave a careful introduction: "Here is the big blue... bird.”

Boris seemed unwilling to give a definitive interpretation of the figure, entitled “Hahn/Cock”. Instead, he described its meaning as told to him by Fritsch: "a woman’s rendition of a man." At times like these, he said, "politicians have to resist any kind of artistic interpretation," adding that the artwork highlights London's status not just as the "financial capital of the world" but also the "artistic and cultural capital."

Fritsch’s installation is the sixth since the Fourth Plinth Commission began the project in 2005, which has included artists such as Anglo-Nigerian Yinka Shonibare and Anthony Gormley. Fritsch is one of Germany’s leading contemporary artists with works including “Rat King”, a circle of giant polyester rats which appeared at the 1999 Venice Biennale, and “Dealer”, a red, suited figure with a hoof in place of a foot - the Tate Modern held a large exhibition of her work in 2001. “Hahn/Cock”  is typical in its simplicity of design, use of block colour and animal imagery. Her work also often refers to masculine identity–the references here to male posturing and displays of power seem to mock Nelson's column in more ways than one: as an unofficial symbol of France, the rooster is strategically positioned under the monument to Britain's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

The piece, which stands 4.72m high on the Fourth Plinth, will remain there for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, follow Boris's advice and Google the installation now. Following the government's plans to restrict access to online pornography, he noted, you may not be able to find it in a few years' time...