Since the inauguration of the fourth plinth project by the mayor's office in 2005 as a regular series of temporary commissions, the site — in the square's north - west corner, in front of the National Gallery's
Sainsbury wing — has hosted works ranging from Marc Quinn's Alison Lapper Pregnant to Yinka Shonibare's Nelson's Ship in a Bottle.
This summer, brand - new works by Chris Ofili and Mark Wallinger were shown in
the Sainsbury wing of the National Gallery — a space more accustomed to Leonardos than edgy installation art.