Sophia Al Maria presents ‘2125,’ an outdoor commission developed with artist Lydia Ourahmane while in residence at Somerset House Studios in London, UK.
Installed at Somerset House’s Lancaster Place entrance, 2125 comprises four benches made from reclaimed Portland stone sourced from Admiralty Arch—a historic site that has shifted from naval residence to government offices, and now set to be transformed into a luxury hotel under a 125-year lease. The benches form a visual and conceptual link to Somerset House’s New Wing, which narrowly escaped a similar fate 15 years ago.
By repurposing stone steeped in colonial history and institutional power, the work invites reflection on ownership, transformation, and permanence. The title, referencing the end of Somerset House’s lease, gestures toward a future beyond the lifespans of its current residents and decision-makers. 2125 asks: Who gets to occupy space, and for how long?
To learn more about the outdoor commission, click here.
