Project 84 aims to raise awareness of male suicide.
In what might be one of the most profound art displays to hit London recently, 84 statues have appeared atop the ITV buildings. Passersbys on the ground have been shocked, for the statues look like people poised to jump off the building. But that’s exactly the point, for this exhibit – part of the Project 84 campaign – represents the 84 men who take their own lives each week.
The statues were created by American artists Mark Jenkins and Sandra Fernandez, in collaboration with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45, and men represent three out of every four suicide cases. The hope is that the Project 84 statues will call attention to this, and encourage men to get the help they need.
Whilst the statues stand watch over the South Bank as a poignant reminder of loss, the Project 84 website tells the stories behind the statues. Each statue is linked to a man who committed suicide, and the website lists the names and ages of the deceased. In some cases, friends and family tell the story of what happened, and how they’re trying to deal with it.
Project 84 also offers support for those in need, or those who suspect a friend or relative might be in danger. You can find out more on their website, and the statues can be seen at the ITV Buildings (72 Upper Ground, Lambeth, SE1 9LT).
Featured image: @mizogart