At a glance
A towering eight-meter bronze totem commands the open courtyard, balancing figures, a feline muse, and a poignant tribute to sculptor Phyllida Barlow in a surreal, personal monument.
Meet the artist
Why go
It offers a rare chance to see a monumental outdoor commission by the Brooklyn-based artist in London, staging a humorous yet complex exploration of artistic lineage and physical endurance right in the open air.
You'll see
Eight-meter bronze totem · Five stacked symbolic forms · Distressed patina cat sculpture · Tribute to Phyllida Barlow · Open-air public installation
Pace of visit
Since the single massive installation stands in the public courtyard, visitors can study its intricate details from multiple angles at their own leisure.
Don't miss
The top section of the totem, which features a portrait of the late British sculptor Phyllida Barlow balancing a vase of flowers.
Artlovers Tip
Walk completely around the base of the sculpture to spot the small, humorous details, like the artist's Birkenstock sandals and the empty wine glass held out by the bottom figure.
Inside the exhibition
The presentation Nicole Eisenman: Stack brings a monumental public installation to the Annenberg Courtyard at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, United Kingdom. Standing over eight meters tall, this towering outdoor sculpture introduces passersby and gallery visitors to a precarious structure that functions as an unconventional, three-dimensional self-portrait.
The single, massive bronze work comprises five distinct forms stacked vertically in an arrangement reminiscent of the German folk tale The Town Musicians of Bremen. At the base, a figure wearing Birkenstock sandals supports a wine barrel, a potato representing basic sustenance, and the artist's cat companion, Edie, rendered with a custom distressed patina.
This commission marks a significant moment for Nicole Eisenman's sculptural practice in London, combining a humorous narrative with serious reflections on creative labor. By placing a likeness of the late British sculptor Phyllida Barlow at the very peak of the totem, the piece serves as a striking tribute to artistic mentorship and the figures who inspire contemporary art making.
Worth travelling for?
A playful yet monumental stop for anyone interested in contemporary figurative sculpture, outdoor installations, and the witty intersections of personal and art history.
Experience as an Artlover
The installation is located outdoors in the main courtyard of Burlington House and offers free admission to the public without the need for a gallery ticket.
Nicole Eisenman: Stack
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