Plinth shortlist is unveiled

A car covered in pigeon excrement, two Tomahawk cruise missiles, and a rag-tag group of anti-war protesters are among the provocative artworks proposed for Trafalgar Square's vacant fourth plinth.

Six sculptures are shortlisted for the nation's most famous public square and all are set to inspire heated public debate.

These are the first pictures of the works, and one at least could prove embarrassing to the Government. It refers to the war in Iraq which inspired much public protest - some of it in Trafalgar Square.

Another pokes fun at Mayor Ken Livingstone's stand against Trafalgar Square pigeons. Artist Sarah Lucas plans to use a real car, paint on "pigeon-soiling" and hope the birds continue the process.

The works were chosen by The Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, a committee appointed by the Mayor. Chairman Sandy Nairne, director of the nearby National Portrait Gallery, said: "The brief was to take into account this particular place; this is not just any old plinth."

Models of the statues will be on display from tomorrow until 8 February in the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery. A decision is due in March and the winning statue will remain on the plinth for a year.

The public can give their opinions on www.fourthplinth.co.uk or on cards available at the National Gallery. However, the commissioning group have the final say and the public will not be asked to vote. "This is not Plinth Idol," a spokesman said.