Solution
Mark Wallinger’s vision for the commission became Labyrinth, a permanent artwork for each of the 270 stations on the London Underground network. Collaborating closely with Mark, Art on the Underground, and Mazescape, Rose helped to create 270 bespoke artworks: each one a unique black and white graphic labyrinth, with a red ‘X’ at the entrance to each, symbolising the beginning of the viewer’s journey (‘you are here’). Each artwork is a framed vitreous enamel square, reflecting the graphic language of the London Underground roundel signs, and represents the orientation and contemplation experienced daily by the millions who use the labyrinthine network.
Rose also created the brand campaign for Labyrinth, to work across all communications, from marketing and advertising, to publishing and merchandising opportunities. In 2021, with the opening of the extension of the Northern line, two new stations joined the London Underground network. Rose were asked to collaborate with Mark Wallinger again, to realise the two new Labyrinth artworks for Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms, unveiled in 2023.
Result
Labyrinth is the largest ever art commission of its kind , with a permanent artwork for each of the 272 stations across the network. It was one of the highlights of a series of special events and commissions in 2013 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the London Underground. Rose won numerous major international creative awards for their work and collaboration on the project, including a yellow and two graphite pencils from D&AD, and two silver pencils from The One Club in New York.
