Anish Kapoor, the acclaimed British Indian artist, has brought his groundbreaking Vantablack Contemporary Art works to the U.S., unveiling them at Lisson Gallery in New York. Known for his innovative approach to art, Kapoor’s exploration of Vantablack, the blackest material in existence, has sparked both awe and controversy within the art world.
The Vantablack Phenomenon:
In 2014, Kapoor embarked on a venture to harness the artistic potential of Vantablack, a material heralded as the blackest substance ever created, absorbing an astounding 99.8 percent of all light. Developed by the U.K. firm Surrey NanoSystems for military applications, Vantablack’s dense field of carbon nanotubes posed a challenge that Kapoor eagerly embraced.
Controversial Exclusivity:
Kapoor’s exclusive contract with Surrey NanoSystems for the artistic use of Vantablack triggered a feud with artist Stuart Semple. Denied access to Kapoor, Semple retaliated by creating his own ultra-black paint, Black 4.0, accessible to all but Kapoor. Despite the controversy, Kapoor defended the exclusivity, emphasizing the delicate and intricate nature of Vantablack’s production.
The Artistic Revelation:
After over ten years of experimentation, Kapoor unveiled his Vantablack creations during the Venice Biennale in 2022, showcasing them at the Gallerie dell’Accademia di Venezia and Palazzo Manfrin. Now, these enigmatic works have made their U.S. debut at Lisson Gallery, marking a significant moment for art enthusiasts and critics alike.
Mysterious Process and Illusory Depths:
Kapoor remains tight-lipped about the intricate process behind his Vantablack sculptures. Focused on creating the illusion of boundless depth, Kapoor’s fascination with the void finds expression through Vantablack. The material’s ability to render folds and creases invisible aligns with Kapoor’s pursuit of exploring four-dimensional space and time, echoing the influence of Malevich.
Opposing Forces of Reflectivity and Absorbency:
Renowned for public sculptures like “The Bean” in Chicago, Kapoor’s interest in reflectivity and light absorbency takes center stage in his Vantablack works. The concave, mirrored spaces of his reflective pieces stand in stark contrast to the darkness encapsulated in his Vantablack creations. Kapoor notes that these opposing forces are, in essence, “opposite and equal.”
Conclusion:
Anish Kapoor’s Lisson Gallery exhibition invites viewers into a realm where art converges with cutting-edge technology, challenging perceptions and engaging with the profound mysteries of light and darkness. As Kapoor’s Vantablack masterpieces continue to captivate audiences, their significance within the contemporary art landscape is sure to endure, further solidifying Kapoor’s legacy as a visionary artist.
