Guardian is a monumental new sculptural commission by Emii Alrai, exploring the cultural power and contested political histories of archaeological ruins.

Installed atop Calton Hill, the work takes the form of a colossal, fragmented relic inspired by mythical icons of ancient civilisations, in direct dialogue with the unfinished National Monument of Scotland, often called “Edinburgh’s Disgrace.”

Drawing on Alrai’s British-Iraqi heritage, Guardian references Sumerian divine beings the Lamassu, while engaging with histories of excavation, displacement, and empire. Its vivid blue patina and exposed armature evoke both preservation and decay.

Following its commission for Bold Tendencies in 2025, the work is built upon and ruptured into ghostly fragments, proposing a monument that acknowledges fracture, and reimagines how the past is held in the present.

Event Info:

→ This installation is at the top of Calton Hill, which is a significant uphill walk and grassy underfoot in places.

→ This installation will have some limited seating, with benches available nearby in the park.

Supported by Event Scotland, Scottish Government’s EXPO Fund, and Bold Tendencies.