Cross Tower Bridge this Saturday (16 March), gaze upwards, and you'll see a woman lying down on the glass walkways 42 metres up.
This is Anahita Harding, and her latest work titled Peaceful Journeys. Remaining inside a sleeping bag on the walkway from 9.30am to 6pm, Harding's performance is a commentary on the enduring challenges faced by people with disabilities in London.
Says the artist "Peaceful journeys was inspired by the stressful journeys I have on public transport in London and how being a wheelchair user impacts the way I move through the city. I wanted to work with Tower Bridge particularly as an iconic, historic London structure and because even through the Bridge attracts thousands of visitors each week, inside up on the glass walkways it feels peaceful and calm."
This isn't the first time Harding has performed thought-provoking live art at a London landmark; in 2023, her Steps work saw her climb the Monument using only her hands.
Peaceful Journeys may bring to mind David Blaine's 44 days spent in a glass box dangling over the Thames, the difference being that no one really knew what he was doing that for — whereas Harding's work bears a strong message.
Though you'll be able to see Anahita Harding from road level on the bridge, to see her close up and interact, 'becoming a part of the piece' (something that's encouraged) will require a ticket to Tower Bridge.
Peaceful Journeys, Tower Bridge, 9.30am-6pm, Saturday 16 March 2024
