Unveiling Anish Kapoor: Liverpool Cathedral’s Centenary Spectacular

26th June 2024

The legendary British-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor is bringing his visionary works to Liverpool Cathedral – the centrepiece of the cathedral’s centenary celebrations.

Unveiling Anish Kapoor: Liverpool Cathedral’s Centenary Spectacular

Monadic Singularity marks Kapoor’s first solo show in a UK cathedral and his major solo exhibition in Liverpool since his seminal 1983 exhibit at the Walker Art Gallery.

This once-in-a-lifetime show brings together works that offer an experience of the sublime that is rooted in the corporeal and will transform Liverpool Cathedral’s spaces, showcasing Kapoor’s profound artistic genius.

Staged in the spiritual context of the Cathedral, where significant moments in life such as birth and death are celebrated and ritualised, these artworks in all their evocation of the body, provide connection and inspire awe.

The exhibition will feature works spanning the past 25 years, including architecturally scaled works never before seen in the UK such as Sectional Body Preparing for Monadic Singularity (2015), this exhibition offers the opportunity to experience a selection of Kapoor’s monumental works in dialogue with the cathedral’s gothic architecture.

Elisa Nocente, Head of Cultural Programme at Liverpool Cathedral and curator of the exhibition said:

“It is an honour that Anish Kapoor has chosen to collaborate with Liverpool Cathedral in this landmark year.

“As one of the leading figures in contemporary art, he distinguishes himself by a unique visual language that embraces painting, sculpture, and architectural forms.

“Provoking both wonder and uneasiness, Kapoor’s artworks transcend their materiality; we hope that they will resonate on a deeply physical and emotional level for our audiences.”

Paul Smith, Director of Enterprise at Liverpool Cathedral said:

“In the last five or six years, we’ve worked very hard to bring an exciting array of cultural programming to the cathedral.

“For 2024, our centenary year, we wanted to take the programme up a notch or two and bring one of the world’s most significant contemporary artists here, to say a massive thank you to our worshippers and visitors.”

The Very Revd Dr Dean Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool said:

“As we celebrate 100 years since this Cathedral was consecrated for prayer and worship, it is great to welcome an iconic artist to our iconic building. The Cathedral speaks of itself as a place of Encounter, and we hope that people will come and encounter the art of Anish Kapoor in our magnificent space.

“We are a modern Cathedral that works with many contemporary artists, and we are delighted that Kapoor is displaying his magnificent art in this centenary year, in our Cathedral built for the people, by the people, to the Glory of God.”

This exhibition is made possible by the generous support of Culture Liverpool and the Liverpool BID Company, as well as Lisson Gallery and Boodles. Hospitality is provided in partnership with Novotel Paddington Village and Hope Street Hotel. With additional thanks to the Granada Foundation and those supporters who wish to remain anonymous.

Director of Culture Liverpool, Claire McColgan CBE, said:

“Over the past few years it has been fantastic to see how Liverpool Cathedral has solidified its reputation as a venue to showcase the work of some of the world’s most respected artists uniquely and unforgettably.

“Culture Liverpool is delighted to work in partnership with the cathedral team to secure this culturally significant Anish Kapoor exhibition which is a huge coup for the city.

“And what a way to mark this special anniversary year, which will undoubtedly attract huge numbers of people to one of the most beautiful buildings in the country.”

The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday 10^th August and runs until Sunday 15^thSeptember. Tickets will be available for exclusive late-night viewings at the Cathedral, which include a special tour of the show, on Thursday 15^th and Thursday 22^nd August.

More information can be found on the Liverpool Cathedral website.

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