Anish Kapoor is a British-Indian sculptor known for his large-scale sculptures and installations that often explore themes of void, infinity, and the sublime.
"Color Etching With Aquatint"
Born in Mumbai, India, in 1954, Kapoor moved to London in the early 1970s to attend the Hornsey College of Art and later the Chelsea School of Art Design.
Kapoor's work is characterised by its bold, abstract forms and the use of intensely pigmented colors, as well as innovative materials including polished stainless steel, fibreglas, and resin. His sculptures are often biomorphic and smoothly curvaceous, inviting interaction and reflection from viewers. One of his most famous works is "Cloud Gate" (2004), a massive, highly reflective, bean-shaped sculpture located in Chicago's Millennium Park, colloquially known as "The Bean." This piece reflects and distorts the city's skyline, drawing visitors into its immersive, mirror-like surface.
Another significant work is "ArcelorMittal Orbit" (2012), constructed for the London 2012 Olympic Games. This towering structure combines a sculpture and observation tower, offering a unique view of London from a spiraling, looping form of red tubular steel.
Reflecting on Form and Void in Public Spaces
Kapoor's art often deals with dualities such as presence and absence, inside and outside, creating spaces that challenge the viewer's perceptions and encourage a contemplative engagement with the form. His exploration of color, particularly his use of Vantablack—a material known as the darkest artificial substance, which absorbs 99.965% of visible light—has also attracted attention and debate regarding the use of cutting-edge materials in art.
Anish Kapoor has received numerous accolades for his work, including the prestigious Turner Prize in 1991. His installations and sculptures are displayed in public spaces and museums around the world, making him one of the most influential and celebrated contemporary artists."