Antony Gormley's London: 'I squatted for seven years. How things have changed'

Summary

The speaker reflects on London's transformation over 30 years, noting the city's rapid development and the impact on its character. They recount personal experiences, from squatting in Camden Town to working in a Kings Cross studio designed by David Chipperfield. The speaker emphasizes the importance of art as a catalyst for self-awareness and the need for cities to embrace diversity and new ideas. They express concern over central London's development and abandonment, advocating for a city that values its residents and welcomes the world.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ The speaker has witnessed a significant transformation in London's urban landscape over the past 30 years, with construction and development being a pervasive aspect of the city.
• 🏡 London retains a village-like character, with distinct areas and a texture that connects to its historical roots and waterways.
• 🚴‍♂️ The speaker's personal narrative includes experiences of squatting and the evolution of living and working spaces in London, reflecting changes in the city's cultural and social fabric.
• 🏛️ The speaker's building, designed by David Chipperfield, symbolizes a personal and professional milestone, embodying light, space, and silence.
• 🎨 The speaker views art not as mere entertainment but as a catalyst for self-awareness and the appreciation of the extraordinary in everyday life.
• 🌍 With over 50% of the world's population living in cities, there's a growing disconnection from nature, which the speaker suggests has profound effects on human imagination.
• 🌳 The speaker's work aims to reconnect people with nature and the environment, acting as 'acupuncture points' within the urban setting.
• 🗝️ 'Witness', a sculpture by the speaker, invites individuals to sit and observe the world, emphasizing the collective role of being witnesses to our surroundings.
• 🏢 Central London has experienced cycles of development and abandonment, which the speaker finds saddening and calls for awareness and preservation of the city's rich texture.
• 🌐 London's history of welcoming migrants is something the speaker is proud of and believes contributes to the city's richness and diversity.
• 🏙️ The speaker emphasizes the importance of new ideas and diversity in maintaining a vibrant and hybrid city life, and the need to be cautious about not losing the city's unique character.

Q & A

What is the speaker's observation about the transformation of London over the last 30 years?

The speaker observes a significant transformation in London, noting the prevalence of construction cranes and the rapid development that seems to be happening everywhere.

How does the speaker describe the character of London?

The speaker describes London as a collection of villages that grew into a megalopolis, maintaining a unique character where different areas have distinct textures and are still connected to their original village and waterway roots.

What significant change did the speaker experience in terms of housing in London?

The speaker experienced a significant change in housing, moving from living on a boat to squatting in a building with 22 artists for nearly seven years, and later to a building designed by David Chipperfield.

What was the speaker's request to David Chipperfield when designing their building?

The speaker requested a building that contained light, space, and silence, which they describe as the best thing they did in their life.

What is the speaker's view on the role of art?

The speaker views art not as a form of distraction or entertainment, but as a catalyst for making people aware of the extraordinariness of their own lives.

What does the speaker imply about the impact of urban environments on human nature?

The speaker implies that urban environments have profound effects on our imagination and that human nature only makes sense in relation to nature, feeling the seasons, and being aware of the elements.

What is the purpose of the 'witness chair' mentioned in the script?

The 'witness chair' is an artwork intended to invite people to sit and observe the world, serving as a reminder to be aware of our surroundings and our role as witnesses to the world.

How does the speaker feel about the current state of central London's development?

The speaker expresses concern about central London being bought, developed, and then abandoned, which they find to be a sad occurrence.

What is the speaker's opinion on London's history of welcoming migrants?

The speaker is proud of London's history of welcoming migrants and believes that the city should continue to do so, valuing the richness and diversity it brings.

What does the speaker suggest about the future of London?

The speaker suggests that London needs new ideas, new blood, and new ways of doing things to maintain a rich and hybrid city life, and to avoid losing the texture and richness that makes the city unique.