East Ham school boy scoops Fourth Plinth art prize
An East Ham school boy has won a prestigious prize for creating an artwork fit for Trafalgar Square.
Dinesh Kalamegam, from Langdon School in Sussex Road, won the Fourth Plinth Schools Award for his Eco London tree sculpture design at a ceremony in City Hall.
Judges choice
Current Fourth Plinth artist Yinka Shonibare MBE, who judged the competition, said: “All the contributions were fun, but ultimately there had to be just one winner.
“Congratulations to Dinesh for his work, Eco London.
“His beautiful and dynamic artwork for the plinth evokes movement whilst alerting us to our joint responsibility to take care of our very precious environment.”
As part of his prize, Dinesh will visit Yinka at his studio.
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The 12-year-old budding artist said: “I was very excited and surprised to be named the winner and I’m looking forward to visiting Yinka’s studio.”
Dinesh, who was selected from 500 entrants to the competition, said his design represents the economic growth of London.
“It celebrates the famous parks of London,” said the young artist.
“Parks in city centres are very important and we should value these spaces.”
Achievement
Dinesh’s work was produced at Langdon school’s art club.
Art teacher James Devlin said: “Dinesh is an outstanding student and his achievement will be celebrated by the art club.
“Visiting Yinka’s studio will be a fantastic opportunity and will hopefully provide inspiration for Dinesh’s next project.”
The Fourth Plinth Schools Awards are funded by the Mayor of London with support from Arts Council England.
Dinesh’s work will feature among other short listed works in an exhibition at the Chamber Gallery at City Hall until April 29.
