9th June 2023 by Frances
George Segal
Walking in…
George Segal ‘Rush Hour’ 1983 original, cast 1987, bronze, 1 of 5, Exchange House, Exchange Square, Broadgate Centre, EC2.
Cast from life, a small cluster of forlorn commuters, are walking together, as if for protection against the wind and rain. The bandage textured surface of their heads and their closed eyes reveal the plaster casting process, and add a foreboding quality. The sculpture while popular and accessible, was gloomily described by an art critic as ‘broken spirited sheep’.
Segal, American painter and sculptor, typically cast figures, described as ‘real life’ sculpture. ‘Rush Hour’ has recently been sited here, under the building’s canopy, adding drama to the space and some protection from the British weather. It is within the pedestrianised Broadgate Centre, which is under perpetual reconstruction. The sculpture can be found between number 6, Fernado Botero and number 7, Bruce McLean on the Emerald Walk.
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