Turning the World Upside Down brings out the child in us. There is something elementary in the concept behind Turner prize-winning artist Anish Kapoor’s latest sculptures, yet the experience of viewing our reflection, and that of the surrounding Hyde Park, in simple, distorted and upside down forms is a strangely liberating, almost healing experience.
Constructed from highly reflective stainless steel, these four giant curved mirror sculptures that are dotted around Kensington Gardens aim to create new vistas in this famous London setting and intensify our experience as summer turns to autumn and autumn to winter.
On a crisp autumn day, the sky a piercing blue, the park a lush pallet of burnt oranges, crimson red and rich yellows Kapoor’s simple statement couldn’t evoke a more visceral reaction.
Kapoor’s work may not be to everyone’s taste, but if public art is there to enhance its environment, as well as engage the audience, then this is public art at its finest.
It seems a real shame though to remove these sculptures on March 13th when the exhibition ends – it would be quite something to witness winter turn to spring, spring to summer.. through the eyes of these park sculptures.
Anish Kapoor: Turning the World Upside Down is alive in Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park until 13 March 2011. The exhibition is organised by The Royal Parks and the Serpentine Gallery and supported by Lisson Gallery, Gladstone Gallery and anonymous donors.
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