Anish Kapoor has had four works placed within the Kensington Gardens for the last 6 months. Each of the pieces are mirrors in some form, ranging in size and shape from gigantic tilted circles to ‘non shapes’.
The first work is a large circular piece which is tilted allowing the viewer to the see a new perspective of their current place. Not only is the size impressive but the reflection that the juxtapose angle creates is interesting and innovative, changing as you walk along. The same piece when seen from across the lake gloriously reflects the sky, absorbing the shapes and contrasts in their pure state. This piece viewed from either side or even the aesthetic of its actual form and size create a feeling of awe as does his second piece.
The second work is a long concave piece which when you face the reflection is inverted. The mirror is also split into 3 parts offering a closer or more distant image. However the most inspiring thing about this piece is when you walk around to the other side, a panoramic reflection hits you. It is almost like a high definition landscape painting. You need to remind yourself of what you are actually looking at as it is easy to forget and become swallowed thinking that you are looking ahead of you. It also creates a strange feeling, of seeing a panoramic view from behind you but then seeing that the piece is framed by the landscape that is in front of you.
The other two works are less impressive but still interesting, one a smaller circular form like the first piece but tinted red and the other a cone shaped ‘non object’ offering distorted inverted images that smoothly and constantly change and rearrange.
These works are the first exhibited in conjunction with and outside of the Serpentine Gallery. Hopefully this is the first of many.
