Anish Kapoor

by Taco Dibbits (Editor), Taco Dibbits (Editor), Anish Kapoor (Artist)

From the sublime to the an exquisite career survey of Anish Kapoor Widely considered one of the most influential sculptors working today, British artist Anish Kapoor (born 1954) here constructs a career survey of his works within the exquisite Renaissance architecture of the Venetian Gallerie dell’Accademia. The full span of his oeuvre is appraised here, from his spare monochrome sculptures that evoke sublimity and awe to his more recent expressionistic sculptures and paintings, often in shades of red or blue, that call to mind dispersed bodies. Famous works include his 1992 Descent into Limbo , which, in this iteration, sets a black threatening void directly into the gallery floor, as well as his experiments with the blackest black paint, Vantablack. This monograph also includes new works created using carbon nanotechnology, and recent paintings that reflect the visionary thrust of Kapoor’s current trajectory.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Heather]

I particularly like his reflective sculptures, the disturbing dark blood red ones, as well as the coiled ones that look like rotten meat. It’s also nice to see the many sculptures similar to but of course very different from Cloud Gate.

[Theediscerning]

Some Pseuds Corner writing, but it's the gallery of pictures that people will be here for anyway.

[Anushka Aritri]

A completely random find. The cover and sheer size of the book captivated my attention. What can I say, I'm attracted to big books. Especially when it's a sheer red, silky color, not that different from Anish Kapoor's autobiographic book cover.

His work and the diversity of techniques were inspiring to me, since I loved his take on altering space, the subtle scrapes with the absurb, the chaos and order, and his diverse usage of techniques and materials. Definitely a great artist, and hits my sweet spot when it comes to installation art.

I recommend at least a glance at his work, even if you can't bring yourself to read the essays, which were excellent as well.

[Ruth]

I'm a sucker for writers who tell me about books on their subject's shelves. So a thank you to David Anfam for that. Other essays in the volume were less engaging.

I knew nothing of Kapoor before this volume though I was familiar with Chicago's Millennium Park Cloud Gate. I come away now knowing that 97% of his interior installations are not my cup of tea (I find them creepy and disconcerting, and, no, I don't care if that is what you think art is supposed to do.). I do like the bulk of his exterior pieces and exhibitions -- Could Gate, Taratantara, C Curve, etc.

[Garydtee]

Excellent biography of one of the most important artists of our generation. Highly recommended.