Sharks, as a rule, are not creatures typically associated with tranquil canals. You’re more likely to find them lurking in deep ocean waters, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life. But in a city as eclectic as London, where the unexpected often meets the everyday, five giant fibreglass sharks are now a fixture of Regent’s Canal.
What are the sharks on Regent’s canal?
The five huge fibreglass sharks first emerged on the canal in London in 2020. Sharks!, created by artist Jaimie Shorten, were the winning entry in the 2020 Antepavilion architecture competition, an event that encourages experimental, often daring designs to challenge the norms of urban architecture and art. The installation featured five life-sized, floating sharks on the canal, each one striking a peculiar balance between menace and absurdity. As they swam serenely along the water, the sharks “sang” La Mer by Charles Trenet, a song often associated with the sea, as a poignant, if slightly tongue-in-cheek, commentary on Brexit and urban dislocation. By combining this quirky piece of visual art with an unexpected musical element, Sharks! made waves both literally and metaphorically, captivating Londoners and visitors alike.
The idea behind the installation was not only to capture attention but also to provoke thought. The floating sharks, serenely navigating their urban canal habitat, were symbolic of the turbulence and confusion of the modern world—specifically the uncertainties surrounding the Brexit process. Much like the shifting tides of political change, these sharks seemed to represent something wild and uncontrollable, yet deeply embedded in the fabric of society. With their presence on the canal, the sharks challenged the conventional use of public space, drawing on historical references such as the Headington Shark in Oxford and the Raft of the Medusa by Géricault. The former has become an emblem of rebellion, as it broke the aesthetic norms of its suburban neighborhood, while the latter’s themes of survival and absurdity tied neatly into the installation’s underlying commentary.
Of course, not everyone was enamored by the idea of these oversized, floating creatures taking up residence on the canal. The Sharks! installation faced opposition from Hackney Council, which argued that the sculptures required planning permission due to their size and the way they altered the function of the canal space. This led to a series of bureaucratic battles, with critics raising concerns about potential obstructions to the waterway and its surrounding conservation area. As is often the case with public art, the tension between artistic freedom and regulation came to the forefront. And while the sharks made a huge splash in the media, not everyone was thrilled with their presence.
Despite the controversy, Sharks! became an iconic piece of public art in London. It added a surprising layer of whimsy to the typically utilitarian canal system, which is more often associated with boat traffic, cycling, and leisurely walks. Whether you viewed the sharks as a political statement, a playful intervention, or just a surreal spectacle, they undeniably captured the imagination. The fact that they were eventually removed and relocated only added to their mystique, making them an elusive symbol of London’s ever-changing artistic landscape.
In recent times the sharks have been spotted on the stretch of Regent’s Canal between Islington and Broadway Market.
This installation is part of a growing trend in London to embrace unconventional, thought-provoking art in public spaces. Public art has become a medium for artists to not only beautify the environment but also to comment on societal issues, challenge perceptions, and engage audiences in new ways. The Sharks! project exemplifies this, offering a moment of absurdity in a city often defined by its seriousness, while also sparking conversations about art, politics, and the nature of public space.
The Sharks! installation is a vivid reminder that London is a city where anything can happen, even the appearance of sharks swimming through its canals. The boldness of the sculptures, paired with the unusual setting, ensured they would not be easily forgotten—much like the city itself, always capable of surprising you when you least expect it.
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