Ryan Gander shortlisted for the PSSA Sculpture Award

24 September 2025

Ryan Gander has been shortlisted for the PSSA sculpture Award for Know Not Your Place in the World, 2024, a series of bronze sculptures installed in Elephant Park in South London. The sculptures were created through a series of workshops with year 4 pupils from three primary schools local to the park and in collaboration with South London Gallery and the Contemporary Art Society.

During the workshops, led by Ryan and the South London Gallery education team, the children explored possibilities for their futures together, and engaged in place-making activities relevant to their personal, local, and global contexts. One of the project’s aims was to create positive stories for young people and help them reflect on the diversity and vibrancy of their own communities and future. Ryan’s work invites viewers to interpret their own associations and stories, engaging with their ability to imagine. The sculptures for Elephant Park depict children dressed in imaginative costumes, unconstrained by tradition or convention. Their choices represent pure imagination and agency, continuing Ryan’s exploration of play and make-believe as catalysts for creativity.

Find out more and vote for your favourite sculpture via PSSA.

Image: Ryan Gander, Know Not Your Place in the World, 2024, Elephant Park, South London, UK. Unveiled 8th October 2024. Commissioned by Lendlease in partnership with South London Gallery, year 4 school pupils, and Contemporary Art Society. © Ryan Gander, Courtesy Lisson Gallery. Photography by Thierry Bal