The Alchemist

Untitled void sculpture, 2012; fibreglass, paintIt’s been about three weeks since I visited Sydney so that I could attend the Anish Kapoor exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art. And still the first word that springs to mind at the thought of the experience is, “Wow!”

I cannot help but respond in a visceral way, for his work is so profoundly and immediately moving in its bold simplicity, in its enormity, its silence that resounds so loudly in one’s being, that speaks to one’s spirit. It is mesmerising, transcends its surroundings so that one is oblivious to the crowds around. And yet some pieces are also delightfully engaging, so invitingly tactile and tempting to touch, to explore and discover the truth.

his work is so profoundly and immediately moving in its bold simplicity …

One envies the child that instinctively reached out to brush the blue pigment of My Body Your Body – the hand smudge is clearly visible in the bottom. Another deep-blue wall sculpture, Void, floats like an abyss before one’s eyes, mystifying, fascinating.

My Body Your Body, 1993; fibreglass, pigment

The exhibition catalogue states:

Anish Kapoor has created bodies of work that push the boundaries of sculpture through his explorations of the nature of perception in relation to space, form and mass. His ability to transform material into astonishing and often perplexing works of art which raise philosophical questions about the world and our position within it, has led to comparisons with alchemy, the ancient magical power to transform an ordinary substance into something of great value.

Last year when I visited Sydney the MCA was closed for renovations, and it was interesting to learn that the museum’s architects and curators had extensively consulted with Kapoor and his studio team regarding the spaces that would house his work – some of the rooms were specifically designed for this exhibition.

If you can get to Sydney before 1 April, I would strongly urge you to see this exhibition for an unforgettable experience. You can also read a previous post about Kapoor’s work here. I’ll shut up now and let some of my pictures speak a thousand more.

Untitled void sculpture, 2012; fibreglass, paintUntitled void sculpture, 2012; fibreglass, paint(Left) When I am Pregnant, 1992; fibreglass, wood, paint. (Right) Oracle, 1990-2002; sandstone, pigment.Oracle, 1990–2002; sandstone, pigmentA man contemplates Void, 1989; fibreglass, pigment It is irresistible: he must lean in. Void, 1989; fibreglass, pigmentSide view, Void, 1989; fibreglass, pigmentMemory, 2008; Cor-Ten steelMemory, 2008; Cor-Ten steelS-Curve, 2006; stainless steelThat’s me on the left, reflected in C-Curve, 2007; stainless steel