Lot Essay
"I see a connection [...] with the great minimal art of the sixties and seventies. The idea that the object in a sense has a language unto itself, and that its primary purpose in the world isn't interpretive, it is there as if sitting within its own world of meaning, as the so to speak next generation along. One wonders if that metaphoric language, or if one can turn that language into a metaphoric language, but not necessarily to do with how I see the world." (Arist statement, interview with John Tusa, BBC, Radio 3)
Anish Kapoor is undoubtedly one of the most influential sculptors of his generation. Born born in Bombay he reached the heights of his artistic career in London where he worked from the 1970s. Famed for his discombobulating mirrored concave structures, Kapoor roots himself in the tradition of Minimalist sculpture set by the likes of Constantin Brancusi and Donald Judd. Kapoor's present lot is a streamlined piece that belies deep significance; the interior surface pulls in the viewer into an alternate reality. This work wields an incredible power of visual persuasion. Its surface coaxes the viewer to peer into its depth and step towards its presence.
Kapoor's work is a fundamental and essential presence in prestigious museum collections around the world. His myriad exhibitions have been held at Martin Gropius Bau, Berlin , 2013; Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, 2012; Le Grand Palais, Paris, 2011; Mehboob Studios, Mumbai and National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, 2010; Royal Academy of Arts, 2009 and the Turbine Hall, Tate Modern, London (2002). He represented Britain at the 44th Venice Biennale in 1990 and was subsequently awarded the prestigious Premio Duemila. Kapoor has also been decorated with numerous state and cultural honours. He was the 1991 winner of the Turner Prize and was awarded a CBE in 2003 and a Knighthood in 2013 for services to visual arts.
Anish Kapoor is undoubtedly one of the most influential sculptors of his generation. Born born in Bombay he reached the heights of his artistic career in London where he worked from the 1970s. Famed for his discombobulating mirrored concave structures, Kapoor roots himself in the tradition of Minimalist sculpture set by the likes of Constantin Brancusi and Donald Judd. Kapoor's present lot is a streamlined piece that belies deep significance; the interior surface pulls in the viewer into an alternate reality. This work wields an incredible power of visual persuasion. Its surface coaxes the viewer to peer into its depth and step towards its presence.
Kapoor's work is a fundamental and essential presence in prestigious museum collections around the world. His myriad exhibitions have been held at Martin Gropius Bau, Berlin , 2013; Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, 2012; Le Grand Palais, Paris, 2011; Mehboob Studios, Mumbai and National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, 2010; Royal Academy of Arts, 2009 and the Turbine Hall, Tate Modern, London (2002). He represented Britain at the 44th Venice Biennale in 1990 and was subsequently awarded the prestigious Premio Duemila. Kapoor has also been decorated with numerous state and cultural honours. He was the 1991 winner of the Turner Prize and was awarded a CBE in 2003 and a Knighthood in 2013 for services to visual arts.