Among the contemporary artists, only Anish Kapoor`s name is adored and admired as much. An inventive sculptor who frequently transcends the limits of shape, material, and perception, Kapoor has won a permanent place in art history. He dazzled the world with his masterpieces, marked by their enormous size, stunning aesthetics, and the depth of the conceptual thoughts. Out of his numerous creations, “Leviathan” is the peak expression of his sheer inventiveness and ingenuity.
Who was Anish Kapoor?
Anish Kapoor was born on 12 March 1954 in Mumbai, India. He was a well-known sculptor whose works are distinct and thought-provoking, Kapoor’s family moved to London when he was young, and later attended the Hornsey College of Art and Chelsea School of Art Design. Being a product of two different cultures, he draws from the east for his spirituality and from the west for his contemporary art forms.
FUN FACT: Anish Kapoor’s sculpture “Cloud Gate” in Chicago is fondly referred to by locals as “The Bean” due to its shape resembling a giant shiny bean.
His Career
Kapoor’s career is over four decades, during which he got several awards and medals including Turner Prize in 1991. He is acclaimed for investigation of materials, form and space, in fact, for creation of large scale sculptors that defy existing perceptions and appeal the viewer. Most of Kapoor’s works are to be seen in the public spaces, museums and private collections worldwide, thus he has made a name for himself as the most important artist of his generation.
What is Happening in Leviathan?
| Artist | Anish Kapoor |
| Date Created | 2011 |
| Medium | Stainless Steel |
| Genre | Contemporary Sculpture |
| Period | Contemporary |
| Dimensions | 27 meters (88.5 feet) in height, 50 meters (164 feet) in length, and 33 meters (108 feet) in width |
| Series/Versions | “Leviathan” is a unique, standalone sculpture. |
| Where is it housed? | Grand Palais, Paris, France |
Leviathan, as its name indicates projects an atmosphere of innate strength and pomposity. Its shiny stainless steel reflective and distorting surface blurs the borders between reality and illusions. The intertwining of light and shade over its dazzling surface causes the facade to perform an enchanting dance. Viewers are curious to navigate a world where perception and reality collide.
As viewers come closer to Leviathan, they encounter their mirror images on the artwork’s vast surface, integrated into its depth.
In addition, the massive size of Leviathan makes the planetary wonder even more astounding. Standing tall above the crowd, it dominates the view, encouraging viewers to ponder over its overwhelming proportions. This sensory experience of being overshadowed by the sculpture’s enormity will trigger a feeling of awe and amazement causing a soulful connection between the spectator and the artwork.
Interesting Facts about Leviathan
Reflective Wonder: One of the most striking features of Leviathan is its reflective surface. The polished stainless steel captures and distorts the surrounding environment, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. Viewers find themselves reflected in its gleaming facade, becoming integral parts of the artwork itself.
Metaphysical Allusions: Kapoor’s choice of the title “Leviathan” invokes myriad associations, from biblical references to philosophical connotations. The name conjures images of a monstrous sea creature, symbolizing primordial chaos and the vastness of the unknown. By naming his creation thus, Kapoor invites viewers to ponder existential questions and confront the mysteries of existence.
Interactive Experience: Interactivity is a hallmark of Kapoor’s work, and Leviathan is no exception. Viewers are encouraged to engage with the sculpture, exploring its contours and perspectives from different angles. As they move around the artwork, their reflections morph and shift, creating a dynamic visual experience that evolves with each step.
Artwork Spotlight: Out of the Dark
Out of the Dark (2001) by Anish Kapoor is available on Singulart. This artwork is an impressive sculpture that addresses darkness and emergence, with deep black shades that provoke the feeling of depth. This work best illustrates Kapoor’s use of light and dark in his art.
Are you looking for a piece of artwork from Anish Kapoor?
Singulart has limited edition prints of Anish Kapoor. If you are looking for a piece of Kapoor‘s artwork for sale, simply click on the artwork or the button below to discover more!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anish Kapoor famous for?
Anish Kapoor is a British-Indian sculptor who was born in Bombay, India, on March 12, 1954. He is renowned for his use of abstract biomorphic forms and his love of vibrant colors and glossy surfaces. In addition, he was the first active artist to have a solo exhibition at London’s Royal Academy of Arts.
How many awards has Anish Kapoor won?
In addition to the Turner Prize in 1991, Kapoor has won other honors and awards, including the Unilever Commission for the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern in 1990, the Premio Duemila Prize at the XLIV Venice Biennale in 1990, and the Padma Bhushan from the Indian government in 2012.
Conclusion
Anish Kapoor’s Leviathan epitomizes the art’s capacity to arouse, challenge, and overstep. Its monumental characteristic, mirrored surfaces, and metaphysical messages guides viewers on a journey of contemplation and awe. The stupendous sight makes us realize how far human imagination can stretch. Anish Kapoor’s Leviathan is not only a sculpture, it is also a deep contemplation of the very existence of reality.
