V&A East Unveils ‘A Place Beyond’ by Thomas J Price

By Darren Smith, Arts Reporter

April 14, 2026

An 18-foot bronze figure now stands sentinel outside London’s newest cultural landmark, offering a quiet yet powerful welcome to visitors. Titled A Place Beyond, the sculpture by British artist Thomas J Price marks his tallest work to date and serves as the public face of V&A East Museum, which opens its doors on April 18, 2026, at East Bank in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford.

The sculpture depicts a fictionalised young Black woman in contemporary casual attire—chunky trainers, a short-sleeved top with realistically rendered fabric folds, and braided hair. She holds a smartphone in one hand while gazing outward toward an unseen horizon, her posture relaxed and unselfconscious. This deliberate ordinariness challenges traditional notions of monumental sculpture, which often celebrate heroes or historical figures in heroic poses. Price instead immortalises the everyday, using digital technology alongside ancient bronze-casting methods to create a figure that feels both timeless and utterly of the present moment.

V&A East Director Gus Casely-Hayford described the work as “a sort of reverse lighthouse,” guiding people into a space dedicated to creativity and making. The sculpture stands to the left of the museum entrance, its dark bronze surface catching the light and inviting interaction from passers-by in the regenerated Olympic Park area. Price, who lives and works in London, crafted the piece as part of the museum’s inaugural commissions programme, New Work. It draws on his long-standing practice of constructing composite figures from 3D scans, found images, and personal observations rather than portraying specific individuals.

Born in 1981, Price studied at Chelsea College of Art and the Royal College of Art. His sculptures frequently interrogate power, representation, and perception, questioning who society chooses to monumentalise. Previous works, including pieces shown at the National Portrait Gallery, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and Hauser & Wirth galleries internationally, have similarly elevated anonymous or everyday Black figures to heroic scale without imposing narrative drama. A Place Beyond continues this thread, blending classical monument traditions with a subtle critique—echoing elements like the contrapposto stance reminiscent of Bernini’s David, yet grounded firmly in modern life through the presence of the smartphone.

The V&A East project forms part of the broader East Bank cultural development in Stratford, transforming the former Olympic site into a hub for arts, education, and innovation. The museum will house permanent “Why We Make” galleries exploring creativity, alongside temporary exhibitions, live events, and a café. Its sister site, V&A East Storehouse, already offers public access to parts of the V&A’s vast collection through an innovative “order from the archive” system. Price’s sculpture provides an immediate, accessible entry point to these themes, visible even before visitors step inside.

Art critics have noted the work’s resonance in a divided cultural landscape. By presenting an unposed, contemplative figure absorbed in her own thoughts rather than performing for the viewer, Price invites audiences to reflect on presence, attention, and the quiet dignity of ordinary lives. The polished bronze captures fine details—from the texture of braids to the creases in clothing—creating a tactile realism that contrasts with the sculpture’s monumental scale. This fusion of digital precision and traditional craftsmanship underscores Price’s innovative approach to material and form.

Public reaction in the days since installation has been largely positive, with many praising the sculpture’s approachable scale and contemporary relevance. Located in a busy, diverse part of east London, it feels integrated into the urban fabric rather than imposed upon it. The piece also ties into Price’s earlier explorations, such as smaller editions of related works that supported the V&A commission through sales.

As V&A East prepares to welcome its first visitors this weekend, A Place Beyond stands as both landmark and statement. It signals the institution’s commitment to inclusive storytelling and contemporary commissions while anchoring the new museum in a dialogue about who belongs in public space and whose stories deserve elevation. In an era when monuments often spark debate, Price offers a contemplative alternative—one that celebrates the potential of the everyday and looks forward to “a place beyond” current limitations.

The sculpture will remain a permanent outdoor fixture, free for all to experience regardless of museum admission. Its presence is expected to draw both art enthusiasts and local residents, becoming a new photographic backdrop and meeting point in the Olympic Park.

Darren Smith is an Arts Reporter at Art Chain News covering contemporary art, digital art and NFTs, body art, and the intersections between these fields.

This article is based on exhibition statements, auction and market reports