The World Turned Upside Down exhibit outside the London School of Economics is a striking London travel destination.
This unique artwork is a giant four-meter political globe inverted, with most landmasses now appearing on the ‘bottom’ hemisphere. And it’s perfect for us to see since we come from Brazil and always felt left out of the globe by being positioned in the corner.
We visited The World Turned Upside Down on Sheffield Street in the fall of 2022 when we went to London for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
The World Turned Upside Down by Mark Wallinger
Created by the artist Mark Wallinger, the installation challenges our perceptions of geography and invites us to view the world differently. The nation-states and borders are still outlined on the globe, but with the added twist of being inverted, making it an interesting sight to behold.
One of the most striking features of the artwork is how it highlights the proper scale of Africa compared to other continents and the vastness of the oceans. Seeing the world on a globe rather than the flat, rectangular Mercator projection we are used to gives us a unique perspective on the planet we call home, especially on the scale of this installation.
Wallinger’s inspiration for the artwork comes from the famous ballad of the English Revolution, The World Turned Upside Down. The ballad was used as the title for Christopher Hill‘s classic account of radical underground movements from that time and Leon Rosselson‘s song in tribute to Gerrard Winstanley and the ideals of the Digger Community.
Recognizing LSE’s expertise, Mark Wallinger created the work to reflect the spirit of progressive inquiry that has characterized the school since its inception. The installation has been curated by Contemporary Art Society Consultancy, which has worked with LSE for years to deliver art in the public realm for its central London campus.
The World Turned Upside Down is a fascinating and thought-provoking artwork that offers a unique perspective on our world. If you’re looking for an unusual travel spot in London, visit the installation and experience the world differently.
Whether you’re a geography enthusiast or simply looking for an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity, The World Turned Upside Down will leave a lasting impression on you.
The World Turned Upside Down on Sheffield Street
GV7M+Q3 London, United Kingdom
