The installation kicks off a six-month residency for the designer at King’s Cross
London-based artist and designer Adam Nathaniel Furman has completed Proud Little Pyramid, an eye-catching architectural installation in Granary Square, King’s Cross. Unveiled as part of Pride month, the new installation marks the beginning of a six-month residency in the evolving London neighbourhood for the British Argentine-Japanese designer.
The 9.5m-high pyramid, embodying Furman’s signature love of pattern, ornament and colour – and featuring winking emoji glyphs – is designed to monumentalise joy and will remain in place throughout the summer. ‘It is camp and queer, proud and subversive, fun and accessible,’ says Furman. ‘A celebration of being odd, loud, mixed, in-between, and fabulous.’
The installation – which harnesses a recycled structure previously used as the giant King’s Cross Christmas tree – has mirrored communal seating integrated into its base and acts as a beacon in the area, which continues to be a place of importance for the designer. ‘King’s Cross has been the backdrop for so much of my life – I have learnt, loved and laughed here,’ says Furman. ‘In the 90s I was regular at iconic nightclubs The Cross and the Scala and later a student and then teacher at Central St Martins.
‘Whilst I have taken inspiration for my residency from King’s Cross’ recent queer history from the 80s through to the early 2000s, I have also looked back to London’s Victorian heritage in which dramatic monuments of all sizes, from water fountains and public loos, to tube stations, memorials and town halls brought accessible decorative art to public spaces. I want to make history – and its complexity – instantly present and fun.’
During Furman’s residency, they will use King’s Cross as a creative playground, delivering multiple artworks and installations across the site as well as a series of pop-up retail experiences as well as in-person and virtual events.
Photography by John Nguyen/PA Wire
Get a curated collection of architecture and design news like this in your inbox by signing up to our ICON Weekly newsletter
