Shiny happy surfaces
Shiny happy surfaces
There is a keen sense of anticipation about British sculptor Anish Kapoor’s first show in India. And it is not one-sided—Kapoor, who was born in Mumbai and grew up there before he left for England to study art in 1973, told a British newspaper that he is nervous at the prospect of showing here.
Among the foremost living contemporary artists, Kapoor last hit the headlines for his striking—and controversial—winning design for the gigantic ArcelorMittal Orbit tower that will be built in London for the 2012 Olympic Games there.
His Indian show will be held at two venues—the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in New Delhi and Mehboob film studios in Mumbai. Both will show works that were included in his recent London show, which attracted a record 275,000 viewers in just under three months. Among them will be an installation titled Shooting into the Corner, with a cannon shooting red wax balls on to a wall.
Kapoor’s works are often characterized by simplicity of form and an unexpected, almost mysterious appeal that tugs at the viewer—the simple, primal perfection of an egg could serve as a useful analogy. This quality is often enhanced by the immaculate reflective surface sheen of the artworks. Best known perhaps is his monumental public sculpture titled Cloud Gate, which graces the Millennium Park in Chicago.
The exhibition will run at the NGMA, Jaipur House, India Gate, in New Delhi from 28 November-27 February; and at Mehboob Studios, 100, Hill Road, Bandra (W) in Mumbai from 30 November-16 January.
himanshu.b@livemint.com
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!