British artist Thomas J Price has unveiled his largest sculpture to date, an 18-foot bronze titled 'A Place Beyond', outside the forthcoming V&A East in London. The monumental work depicts a fictional woman in everyday attire, continuing Price’s practice of using unidealized figures to critique the traditions of classical sculpture and challenge viewer biases. The installation serves as a public precursor to the museum's official opening on April 18, 2025.
The unveiling marks a significant moment for the V&A East as it establishes its identity in East London through a semi-annual commissions program called 'New Work'. By featuring Price—who has deep personal and professional ties to the neighborhood—alongside upcoming projects by Es Devlin and Carrie Mae Weems, the institution is signaling a commitment to contemporary social relevance and local engagement. These commissions aim to bridge the gap between historic museum collections and the diverse, modern communities they serve.