Red Stack, a large, bright and playful sculpture by Dubai artist Shaikha Al Mazrou, has arrived at its new home on the University of Birmingham campus.

A bold and exciting new addition to the University's sculpture collection, Red Stack is a four-meter-high, bright red sculpture which resembles a large tower of pillows.

The striking artwork plays with shape, material, and colour and is made from fibreglass and resin. The curious nature of the art leaves its meaning open to audiences, with everyone seeing something different in it, inviting intrigue and debate from its viewers.

Red Stack is now on display on the Edgbaston campus next to the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clocktower (Old Joe) on Chancellor’s Court and is free for everyone to see.

The sculpture has been acquired as a new piece of public art in celebration of the University of Birmingham’s 125th anniversary. Throughout this year, the University has put on a programme of public art, events, and community engagement, all designed to honour the University’s rich history and vibrant future.

The artist, Shaikha Al Mazrou, is an Emirati sculptor known for her bold works that explore tension, balance, and materiality. She lives and works in Dubai, where the University of Birmingham has a campus. Her art often plays with shape and colour, making strong industrial materials appear soft. Her work invites people to look closer and think differently about what they see.

The sculpture was selected by a Public Art Advisory Board led by the University Collections team. This group includes academics, arts professionals, students, estates and campus planning experts. The decision was informed by a large-scale public consultation on campus and online.

The acquisition, along with events and activities celebrating the University’s 125th anniversary, was made possible by the generous support from alumni and supporters through the University of Birmingham’s endowment fund.

You can find more information about Red Stack on the University website, and find more ways to celebrate the University of Birmingham’s 125th anniversary here.