Morag Myerscough's latest street installation hopes to give Parisians hope for the future

The eye-popping sculpture, in her famous style, stands at over eight metres tall and was painted by Morag in her London studio before being shipped over to France. It's installed in a square close to Pompidou Centre in the heart of Paris and hopes to "spark the imagination of passersby with simple arresting confidence and joyous optimism".

Born and bred in London, Morag is fascinated by how colour, pattern and words can change urban environments and peoples' perceptions of space and sense of place. Her strong visual language is instantly recognisable, energetic, resonating directly with all those who encounter it – regardless of geography and cultural backgrounds.

While museums and galleries adapt to the pandemic restrictions, public artworks like 'A New Now' aim to bring a sense of belonging, embracing the opportunity to rebuild a new more optimistic future and shared identity, echoing the artist's core mantra: "Make happy those who are near and those who are far will come".

A New Now will remain in Paris until the end of the year. "I have always felt strongly that we need art in every form to stimulate us and transport us from the everyday," says Morag. "But at this time, it is essential for our wellbeing. I do not believe in the phrase 'a new normal', I have always disliked the word 'normal'. For a while, we were all on pause. We have had time that we have never had collectively before – to spend reflecting, understanding and rethinking about what is important to us as individuals, families, local communities and the global community.

"I believe it is impossible to predict the future and we are living in a new now. We need to find and embrace ways of moving forward here and now. We are in the midst of seismic changes and we must aim to make a better sustainable world."