Anish Kapoor: Space As An Object ( 2001 )
If space were to be rendered in a three-dimensional object that encapsulates the physical world, Anish Kapoor's sheer sculpture is the very embodiment of this concept. This illusion of space is a reflection of Eastern beliefs, as we are caught between the real world and the surreal realm. When thousands of modern art pieces fill our eyes with colors and forms, Kapoor takes us to the opposite plane, in the enigma of emptiness.
Stunning? What's phenomenal about this work is the very metaphor of staring into the void.. in a world that's full of objects and shapes. Looking at this sculpture gives you that feeling of standing somewhere in between. Suddenly, you begin to think that there is beauty in nothingness, of inner space contained within the sculpture and the outer space surrounding the cubic art form. The visual experience is a mirror of the Ying and Yang philosophy, the masculinity of the solid cube frame versus the femininity of the warp and light caught from within.
From an aesthetic point of view, the beauty of this compelling work of art appeals to those who are open to the metaphysical way of things – of possible realities outside our very own five senses. You may have that odd feeling of looking at what seems to be an over-sized ice cube standing in the middle of a room... the only thing is, it won't melt like one. If you try to look at it as part of the whole, your perception will suddenly change on this post modernist sculpture – and you may have yet to define what is real and what is not. Simply pure.
Genius Behind the Obra:
Anish Kapoor, born in Bombay ( India ), is the brains behind Sky Mirror and Cloud Gate , one of the most expensive free-standing public sculptures around the globe. A sculptor who lived in London in the early 70's, he had taken formal art education from the Hornsey College of Art and the Chelsea School of Art and Design. Internationally-renowned, his works have been shown at prestigious galleries in Europe and in the US.
Awards: Premio Duemila - Venice Biennale 1990
Turner Prize 1991
Honorary Fellowship - London Institute 1997
CBE 2003
Resources I've read that helped me write this review:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_Gate
http://www.anishkapoor.com/writing/homibhabha.htm
http://www.anishkapoor.com/writing/biography.htm
http://www.studio-international.co.uk/sculpture/kapoor_Review.asp