Have you ever found yourself waiting for the tube and getting completely transfixed by a mysterious maze-looking art piece? And did it look oddly familiar or feel like de-ja-vu? If the answer is yes and you’re oblivious to why there’s a labyrinth at every station, then it’s time you understood the meaning behind these fantastic artworks scattered across the entire London Underground network.
Originally installed in 2013 to celebrate the Underground’s 150th anniversary, Labyrinth by Mark Wallinger is one of the most ambitious projects ever executed by TfL and Art on the Underground. 270 original artworks were placed at every tube station across the network, which was enough to be every single station at the time.
Get lost in the labyrinths of the London Underground
Mostly placed in plain sight, while others are slightly hidden, the project has captivated commuters ever since. Mark Willinger has even done two additional pieces with the arrival of Nine Elms & Battersea Power Station on the Northern Line, installed specifically to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the art project back in 2023.
The artworks pull inspiration from several aspects of London life and TfL, from its inherently symbolic language to the commute itself, as well as the stations and their locations. The striking lines form a continuous pathway, which represents the journeys taken by millions of individuals each year, usually the commute to work and then back home, but it could be to and from anywhere across the city.
Unlike a maze, which is a challenge to find the exit, a labyrinth is a single pathway to a specific point, typically in the centre of the structure, which means a return is always necessary. Each station has its artwork with a unique design, emblazoned in black and white on a single 60cm² enamel panel.
Who is Mark Wallinger?
Essex-born artist Mark Wallinger has become extremely well known within the English art scene, winning several accolades and much recognition throughout his illustrious career, which includes being nominated for and receiving the prestigious Turner Prize.
Following his win back in 2007, Wallinger was asked to create the artworks by Arts on the Underground and jumped on the opportunity, with the Tube even influencing his previous work. Speaking of, his work is displayed in the collections of many leading international museums including Tate, MoMA New York, and Centre Pompidou Paris.
When asked to return and create two additional works for the project’s tenth anniversary, Wallinger said, “I am delighted and thrilled to have been given the opportunity to use the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the unveiling of the original Labyrinths to create two new ones.”
So, the next time you’re commuting, be sure to get completely lost in these magnificent artworks that are keeping the London Underground one of the most unique metro systems in the world, not only because it’s the oldest, but also due to its commitments to culture, community, and beyond.
For more information on Labyrinth, as well as other artsy happenings down on the tube lines, check out the Arts on the Underground’s website. You can also watch a full documentary about the project on YouTube.
