Kapoor's Lisson Show Opens on Brexit Day
On March 30, 2017, the day UK Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 to begin Brexit, Anish Kapoor opened a major exhibition at Lisson Gallery in London. The show features monumental sculptures and gouaches in crimson red silicone and paint, evoking organic decomposition, chaos, fire, wounds, and visceral torment. While Kapoor avoids direct political engagement, the timing has been seen as a silent commentary on the anti-European, xenophobic climate in the UK. Kapoor stated, 'I think there is a certain sense of inner turmoil,' but resisted the idea that art can directly intervene. The exhibition runs from March 31 to May 6, 2017, at Lisson Gallery, 27 Bell Street, London.
Key facts
- Exhibition opened on March 30, 2017, the day Theresa May triggered Article 50 for Brexit.
- Anish Kapoor's show at Lisson Gallery, London, includes monumental sculptures and gouaches.
- Works use crimson red silicone and paint, evoking organic decomposition, chaos, fire, wounds.
- Kapoor avoids labeling himself as politically engaged, despite the coincidental timing.
- Kapoor acknowledged 'inner turmoil' but resisted art's direct political role.
- Exhibition runs from March 31 to May 6, 2017.
- Lisson Gallery is located at 27 Bell Street, London.
- Artnet reported on Kapoor's stance on xenophobia and populism.
Entities
Artists
- Anish Kapoor
Institutions
- Lisson Gallery
- Artnet
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom