Anish Kapoor

by David Anfam, Johanna Burton, Donna De Salvo

Anish Kapoor's sculptures are as mysterious as they are beautiful. Although they employ a wide range of traditional and non-traditional materials, their real subject is often immaterial and a chasm, a reflection, a column of air. Kapoor belongs to a generation of British sculptors (Tony Cragg, Richard Deacon, Antony Gormley) who revived sculpture by injecting it with new vitality, even playfulness, in the wake of Minimalism. It should come as no surprise, then, that he is one of the best-loved artists working today, the recipient of numerous international awards (including the Turner Prize) and the creative force behind some of the most popular public sculptures in contemporary art, including  Marsyas in the Tate Modern Turbine Hall (2002) and Cloud Gate in Chicago's Millennium Park (2004).

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

528 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Anushka Aritri · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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