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Royal College of Art alumnus Samuel Domínguez unveils 'Apparition' sculpture in Battersea Park

Key details

Date

  • 10 February 2026

Author

  • RCA

School, Centre or Area

Read time

  • 1 minute

The Royal College of Art (RCA) and the Friends of Battersea Park are delighted to announce the unveiling of 'Apparition', a new public sculpture by Samuel Domínguez, the winner of the Friends of Battersea Park and Royal College of Art Sculpture Award 2025.

Key details

Date

  • 10 February 2026

Author

  • RCA

School, Centre or Area

Read time

  • 1 minute
Two images side by side portray a close up shot of the texture of the Apparition sculpture by Samuel Domínguez and another shot of the artist stood by the sculpture

Samuel Domínguez with 'Apparition', Battersea Park, photographer Sara Sahores

The sculpture, a speculative genetic hybrid of Chilean and British tree species, was unveiled on Saturday 7th February in Battersea Park, as part of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture. Created using moulds taken from real tree specimens from across the park, ‘Apparition’ is a cast of concrete, volcanic stone, and pigmented silicone featuring a mix of organic shades of stones and cement, as well as an artificial green.

'Apparition' will be on display in Battersea Park until autumn 2027 adding to the park’s rich history of outdoor public art since 1948 featuring works by renowned artists and RCA alumni such as Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Domínguez, a 2022 graduate of the RCA’s MA Sculpture programme, will also host a public workshop in the park in April, offering visitors a unique insight into his work.

An outdoor sculpture resembling parts of a tree by Samuel Domínguez

'Apparition' sculpture by Samuel Domínguez, 2025, Battersea Park, photographer Sara Sahores

Group of people standing by the Appararition sculpture by Samuel Domínguez

Professor Jaspar Joseph-Lester Head of Sculpture at RCA, artist Samuel Domínguez, Kate Davis Senior Tutor Sculpture RCA, Sara O'Donnell Programme Director for Wandsworth's London Borough of Culture & Kate Bock Chair of Friends of Battersea Park, Battersea Park, photographer Sara Sahores

  • “By including organic matter and volcanic stone, my intention is to create a sculpture that is susceptible to the environment and the place where it is installed, allowing the surface to change under the influence of humidity and temperature variations. Developing this project in Battersea Park has been an incredible way to connect with the park through its tree species and unique ecosystem, which are all in constant change.”

    Samuel Domínguez Winner of the Friends of Battersea Park and Royal College of Art Sculpture Award 2025

  • “We were thrilled by the strength and ambition of the proposals submitted by MA Sculpture alumni, and the panel took great care in considering each one. The shortlisted projects all demonstrated a high level of rigour, imagination and sensitivity to context. Samuel Dominguez’s proposal stood out for its original and thoughtful engagement with the specific conditions of the site, and for the way it connects local histories with wider international concerns. We’re excited to see this work realised in Battersea Park as part of a commission that reflects both the depth of our alumni community and the continuing legacy of sculpture in the park.”

    Jaspar Joseph-Lester Head of Programme of MA Sculpture at the Royal College of Art

  • “We are delighted to bring the Sculpture Award back to Battersea Park in partnership with the Royal College of Art. Sculpture has long played an integral role in the park's unique character — from its post-war legacy as a space for artistic experimentation to the many works that continue to surprise and delight visitors today. As Wandsworth marks its year as London Borough of Culture, we’re especially proud to support emerging artistic voices and highlight new talent. This collaboration between the Friends of Battersea Park and the RCA brings together community, creativity and shared green space. We hope it will encourage both long-time park users and new visitors to discover something fresh in Battersea Park — and to see it as a living, changing place at the heart of our borough.”

    Kate Bock Chairman of Friends of Battersea Park