Five life-sized fibreglass sharks. That’s the Sharks! sculpture. Right here on Regent’s Canal. Can you believe it? Giant sharks. Floating serenely. In the heart of London.
This isn’t just any art installation. Sharks! is the 2020 Antepavilion winner. It’s a commentary on Brexit and urban life. A bold statement. A playful challenge to the ordinary.
The artist Jaimie Shorten envisioned them as ingénues. Naive newcomers to the hipster scene of Hoxton Docks. They arrive as “dumb recipients of the horrible world”. Yet they find redemption. Together. In their unexpected watery home.
The sharks aren’t just for show. Originally. They were planned to sing La Mer. A song of the sea. A subtle and quirky commentary on a turbulent time. Bubbles and smoke were to add to the spectacle. Even lectures on architectural theory were in the works.
But their journey wasn’t smooth sailing. Hackney Council issued an injunction. They argued the sharks needed planning permission. A material change of use for the canal. The installation faced legal battles. Relocations. Temporary removal.
Eventually. The sharks found a new home. A temporary resting place. The drama only added to their legend. The story of Sharks! is a tale of resilience. A symbol of unexpected art in the urban landscape. A testament to artistic freedom.
They may not always be in this exact spot. But the spirit of Sharks! lives on. A reminder that even sharks can find a place in London. A place to sing. A place to be together. And a place to inspire conversations about art. Politics. And the very nature of public space.