Art on the Underground is set to reveal a remarkable new artwork this month at Stratford station in London, created by renowned Kurdish artist Ahmet Öğüt. The installation, titled "Saved by the Whales Tail, Saved by Art," commemorates an extraordinary incident where a piece of public art literally prevented a disaster.
The artwork draws its inspiration from a dramatic metro accident that occurred outside Rotterdam, Netherlands. In this unusual incident, a train overran its designated stop at an elevated station platform, threatening to plunge into the waters below. However, disaster was averted when the runaway train was caught and supported by a massive 10-meter-high sculpture depicting a whale's tail.
The life-saving sculpture was one of two whale tail artworks originally placed at the location by Dutch artist Maarten Struijs. The towering metal structure proved to be more than just an aesthetic addition to the urban landscape when it became an unexpected safety net. Fortunately, no passengers were aboard the train during the incident, and the driver managed to escape without any injuries.
This remarkable event has sparked broader questions about the role of art in society beyond its traditional aesthetic and cultural functions. The incident raises intriguing possibilities about whether artwork can serve practical, life-saving purposes, or if their救助 potential should be considered primarily in spiritual and emotional terms.
The story has captured public imagination, prompting readers to consider similar instances where art may have played a rescue role. Art enthusiasts and the general public are being invited to share their own examples or thoughts on whether this Rotterdam incident represents a unique occurrence or part of a broader pattern of art serving protective functions in unexpected ways.
