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.

Outlines

00:00

🏙️ Urban Transformation and Artistic Life in London

The speaker reflects on the significant urban transformation they've witnessed in London over the past 30 years, noting the pervasive presence of construction cranes as a symbol of change. They question the motives behind such development and emphasize the importance of understanding who is driving these changes and for whom. The speaker reminisces about their life in London, describing it as a collection of villages that have merged into a megalopolis, each area retaining its unique character and texture. They recount personal experiences, such as squatting in a building with 22 artists for seven years, and moving to Camden Town and then Kings Cross, where they have been for the last 25 years. The speaker expresses deep satisfaction with their current building, designed by David Chipperfield, which they describe as a 'shed containing light, space, and silence.' They discuss their view on art as a catalyst for self-awareness rather than mere entertainment, and the impact of urban living on human imagination and connection with nature. The speaker also mentions their artwork 'Witness', a chair inviting people to sit and observe the world, highlighting the need for art to make us aware of our surroundings and the importance of human connection with the natural world.

05:01

🌆 The Evolving Character of London and Its Challenges

In this paragraph, the speaker expresses concern over the trend of buying and developing areas of central London and then abandoning them, which they find to be a sad occurrence. They stress the importance of being vigilant about the preservation of the city's rich and diverse character. The speaker is proud of London's history of welcoming migrants and believes that this openness should continue. They argue that cities, including London, should be careful not to lose their unique textures and richness by being overly commercialized or exclusive. The speaker also suggests that cities should embrace new ideas, new people, and innovative ways of living that contribute to a vibrant and diverse urban life. They conclude by stating that a city does not truly belong to its residents but is a grand entity that should consider the lives of ordinary people.

Keywords

💡Transformation

Transformation refers to a profound and thorough change in form, appearance, or character. In the context of the video, it is used to describe the dramatic shift in the cityscape over the past 30 years, as evidenced by the numerous cranes and construction projects. The speaker reflects on how this transformation has altered the urban environment, potentially impacting the lives of its residents.

💡Megalopolis

A megapolis is a vast, densely populated urban area that is typically made up of multiple cities and towns. The video script mentions London as a collection of villages that grew into one great megapolis, highlighting the city's vastness and diversity. This term is crucial for understanding the scale and complexity of urban development discussed in the video.

💡Squatting

Squatting is the act of occupying an abandoned or unoccupied building or area without the permission of the owner. The speaker recounts how, in the past, it was easier to squat in London, indicating a time when the city was more open to such practices. This reflects on the changing social and legal landscape of urban living.

💡David Chipperfield

David Chipperfield is a renowned British architect mentioned in the script as the designer of a building for the speaker. His work is praised for creating a space that embodies light, space, and silence, which are essential elements for the speaker's creative process. This keyword is significant as it ties into the discussion of urban architecture and its impact on the individual's experience of the city.

💡Art as a catalyst

The term 'catalyst' in chemistry refers to a substance that increases the rate of a reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change. In the video, the speaker uses this term to describe art's role in society, suggesting that art should not merely be for distraction or entertainment but should inspire awareness and change. This concept is central to the speaker's view on the purpose and impact of art.

💡Built environment

The built environment encompasses the human-made spaces in which people live, work, and recreate. The video discusses how over half of the world's population now lives in cities, which are part of the built environment. This keyword is important for understanding the speaker's concern about the impact of urban structures on human experience and imagination.

💡Human nature and nature

This concept refers to the inherent qualities and characteristics that define human beings, particularly in relation to their connection with the natural world. The speaker expresses a belief that human nature only makes sense when connected to nature, emphasizing the importance of feeling the seasons and being aware of the elements. This idea is central to the video's theme of the relationship between people and their urban surroundings.

💡Acupuncture points

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture points are specific locations on the body where pressure or stimulation can help balance the body's energy. The speaker uses this metaphor to describe how their art can act as points of focus within an environment, prompting viewers to become more aware of their surroundings. This keyword is used to illustrate the potential of art to enhance perception and connection with the world.

💡Witness chair

The 'witness chair' is an artwork mentioned in the script, designed to invite people to sit and observe the world around them. It symbolizes the idea of being a witness to one's environment and experiences. This keyword is significant as it represents the speaker's artistic approach to engaging individuals with their surroundings and promoting a sense of awareness and participation.

💡Richness of texture

Texture, in the context of the video, refers to the diverse and intricate layers of experience, culture, and history that make up a city. The speaker expresses pride in London's ability to maintain this richness despite urban development, suggesting that the city's character is defined by its complexity and variety. This keyword is crucial for understanding the speaker's view on urban identity and the importance of preserving cultural diversity.

💡Hybrid city life

Hybrid city life refers to the blending of different cultures, ideas, and ways of living within a city. The speaker advocates for new ideas and the inclusion of diverse perspectives to create a rich and varied urban experience. This keyword is important for understanding the speaker's vision for a city that is dynamic, inclusive, and ever-evolving.

Highlights

Witnessing the total transformation of the city in the last 30 years, with cranes breaking the horizon.

The question of who is driving urban development and for whom it is being done.

London's character as a collection of villages that grew into a megalopolis.

The personal story of moving from a boat to a squatted building in London.

The change in London's landscape from being able to squat to a city of high property prices.

The construction of a building by David Chipperfield, embodying light, space, and silence.

Art as a catalyst for making people aware of the extraordinariness of their lives.

Over 50% of the world's population now lives in cities, impacting our relationship with the world and nature.

The profound effects of the built environment on human imagination.

The importance of human nature relating to nature and the elements.

The role of art as acupuncture points within an environment, enhancing awareness.

The Witness Chair as an invitation to sit and observe the world, promoting collective witnessing.

Central London's development and subsequent abandonment, a cause for concern.

The necessity for cities to welcome new ideas, blood, and ways of doing things for a rich and hybrid city life.

London's historical and ongoing role in welcoming migrants and the importance of maintaining this richness.

The pride in being part of London and the need to preserve its welcoming nature and texture.

The city not belonging to its residents but being a grand entity that should consider ordinary people's lives.

Transcripts

to be a witness of a total

transformation of the city in the last

30 years might so strongly really

it's as if you can't go anywhere now

without there being cranes breaking the

horizon what maybe that's a good thing I

mean you just have to ask who's doing it

and who for

see the story in my life from up here

London is a collection of villages that

grew into one great big megalopolis I

think it still has that character

different areas of it are so different

there is a texture that is somehow still

connected to the villages and the

waterways

I was just bicycling here between

Paddington Basin and my studio which was

also a squat on big field street and

this little boy said hey mister you own

a house I said yeah that's exactly what

I need as I was living in a very very

short boat and we moved in there it was

easy then in London you could squat

anywhere about six months later we moved

in down there and we took that whole

place over 22 artists worked there for

nearly seven years entirely free how

things have changed in 1990 we moved the

Camden Town back to Kings Cross in fact

I mean all very close to it and that's

where I've been for the last 25 years

this building was built by David

Chipperfield for me took about 18 months

the design and about a year to build and

it's the best thing I did in my life I

just said please make us a shed that

contains light space and silence and

that's what he did every time I come in

here

I've just my heart leaps because it's

it's just the best playground for a

grown-up that you could imagine I'm not

interested in art as distraction or as

entertainment I am interested in art as

a catalyst for making people aware of

how extraordinary their lives are

already over 50% of the world's

population now lives in the city or what

does that mean it means that we're in

relating to the world or to being alive

we are relating primarily with a built

environment that means a humanly

constructed habitat well I think this

has very profound effects on our

imagination I think that the truth is

that human nature only makes sense in

relation to nature feeling the seasons

being aware of the elements and I hope

that what my work does is somehow make

these things that act as sort of

acupuncture points within a given

environment whether it's down by the sea

or whether it's all over a city that

asks us to attend oh I see this body

isolated in space against the sky are

through the agency of this body I will

become aware of the sky you might say

well doesn't everybody do do that anyway

will they do and they don't is the truth

here we are wondering about the Houston

Road Houston road as you can see is a

bloody great big smelly noisy artery and

it's rather an extraordinary thing that

this institution the British Library

should find itself moving from the

central courtyard of the British Museum

to this the smelliest noisiest dirtiest

place in London as we move from

the noise and chaos of Houston Road we

find ourselves in a Piazza not unlike

Siena in it I've placed the witness

chair the idea of this work is that it

is an invitation for you to sit on the

chair and look at the world and I guess

I wanted to make a sculpture that wasn't

of somebody but simply invited all of us

to be witnesses to the world but we

collectively make quite a lot of central

London is now bought and developed and

then abandoned that's a really sad thing

to happen and we got a watch out

we've got to be aware that cities need

new ideas new blood new ways of doing

things that will result in a rich and

hybrid city life London has always

welcomed migrants and I long may it do

so in my view I'm very proud of being in

London I think we have got to be careful

not to sell it not to lose that richness

of texture but is so much about

welcoming the rest of the world here and

saying show us what you've got

let's make something together

you

it's a city doesn't really belong to its

a resident the city is very grand very

big but is not designed to consider

ordinary people's life