Blog: Ahmet Öğüt, Saved by the Whale’s Tail, Saved by Art

Saved by the Whale’s Tail, Saved by Art

Saved by the Whale’s Tail, Saved by Art, co-commissioned by New Contemporaries and Art on the Underground, is inspired by a real-life event from 2020 when a train on the Rotterdam Metro overran the tracks and was unexpectedly saved by a sculpture that has the shape of a whale’s tail. What could have been a disaster instead became a surreal, poetic, and iconic image; an artwork functioning as an unforeseen support structure that ultimately saved the conductor’s life.

I was struck by the poetic irony of the original event. A purely functional, bureaucratic urban space, the metro system, collided with an artwork, and the artwork, rather than just being an ornament, became an actual lifesaving structure. It challenges general assumptions about what art does, what it should be, and how it interacts with real life.

In my practice, I often explore how public space, infrastructure, and storytelling intersect. This project expands on that exploration by questioning how symbolism in art can limit its perceived power, while also revealing, intentionally or unintentionally, the profound roles it can play in real life.

The project unfolds in several chapters. We will begin with a poster campaign, followed by the installation of my work at Stratford Station later this year. An award ceremony will take place as part of the project, culminating in a publication.

Public engagement is at the heart of this. I’m launching a campaign posing two key questions to the public: Can art save lives? And have you ever witnessed art saving a life? The most powerful submission, selected by a committee and me, will receive a special sculpture I created, designed as an award trophy, presented at a public ceremony later in autumn 2025.

Find out more about how you can get involved here:https://newcontemporaries.org.uk/current/save-by-art

Top tips for emerging and early career artists

I’d say don’t wait for invitations. If you have an idea you believe in, find ways to make it happen with or without institutional approval. Create works that can be realised with zero budget, while allowing bigger-budget ideas to mature over time, there’s no need to rush or self-invest prematurely.

Expand your idea of collaboration by working with people beyond the art world; activists, lawyers, firefighters, farmers, engineers, or local communities, anyone whose expertise can help the idea grow.

Developing multiple strategies is crucial; relying solely on grants is difficult, so build a strong community around you. Stay politically awake, art doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Pay attention to labour conditions and be mindful of how your work engages with its context. And finally, keep a sense of humour. Even in serious work, humour is a powerful tool for critique, resilience, and connection.

A sustainable arts sector

A more sustainable and accessible arts sector requires structural changes that go beyond temporary funding opportunities or isolated inclusion efforts. We need to rethink ownership models, redistribute resources, and prioritise long-term support for artists rather than relying on project-based survival.

Accessibility isn't just about who enters the space, it’s about who has agency within it. Institutions should not only invite diverse voices but also share decision-making power. Sustainability also comes from reimagining how art circulates. Instead of reinforcing exclusivity, we should create decentralised, adaptable formats, whether in public spaces, alternative venues, or digital platforms.

Ahmet Öğüt is now inviting the public to share stories that champion and interrogate how art has saved lives. Submit your story here: www.newcontemporaries.org.uk/current/save-by-art