TfL Elizabeth line: Massive new video artwork to be seen by thousands of Soho passengers

A video artwork installation that celebrates the culture of Soho will be launched at Tottenham Court Road station.

Titled 'undergroundoverheard', the artwork is by Douglas Gordon and will be unveiled on February 1.

Situated in the Dean Street entrance to Transport for London's (TfL) Elizabeth line at Tottenham Court Road station, Gordon’s artwork comprises a video on a large screen seen by thousands of customers each day as they descend the escalators to the platforms.

The looped video builds on Gordon’s text-based artworks that use short statements such as “I forgive you”, “Nothing will ever be the same” and “It’s better to know”.

The public commission will be unveiled alongside a new solo exhibition of the artist’s work near the station at Gagosian gallery, in Grosvenor Hill. 

Gordon’s undergroundoverheard is one of several artworks commissioned by the Crossrail Art Programme for the Elizabeth line. It will sit alongside works including Chantal Joffe’s A Sunday Afternoon in Whitechapel at Whitechapel station and Conrad Shawcross’ Manifold (Major Third) 5:4 at Liverpool Street station.

Undergroundoverheard will be presented by TfL and sponsors Almacantar, the City of London Corporation and Derwent London.

Justine Simons OBE, deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, said: “Douglas Gordon’s undergroundoverheard is a wonderful addition to the Elizabeth line. Translated into different languages, it celebrates our capital’s greatest strength – our diversity. 

“This programme, alongside Art on the Underground, delivers amazing creative works to the travelling public every day, bringing us joy, encouraging us to stop and think and making art accessible to all, helping us build a better London for everyone.”

Eleanor Pinfield, head of Art on the Underground at TfL, said: “The launch of undergroundoverheard marks a major moment for Douglas Gordon, with his text works compiled into a dynamic video artwork for the first time.

"It is an exciting moment for Tottenham Court Road station, with an artwork that celebrates the breadth of global cultures in the area the station serves.

"These cryptic, open-ended statements will make customers from all backgrounds pause for thought, taking them on a reflective, thoughtful journey in their minds as they travel on the renowned Elizabeth line.