Kapoor's Giant Studio: Behind the Scenes of Artistic Rebellion

Anish Kapoor's expansive 3,100 sq metre London studio, staffed by 23 individuals, serves as the hub for his artistic endeavors. This behind-the-scenes look precedes the opening of his career-spanning exhibition at the Hayward Gallery, London. The show, opening on 2026-06-16, includes monumental new pieces such as 'Ha Makom' and 'Ancestor,' alongside signature works like 'Descent into Limbo.'

Kapoor, who turns 72, champions disobedience as a core tenet of artistic innovation. His studio is a testament to this, filled with diverse projects ranging from large installations to lacquered mirror paintings. Despite controversies and criticisms, particularly regarding his use of Vantablack, Kapoor remains committed to pushing artistic boundaries and provoking viewer experience.

The exhibition at the Hayward Gallery, running until 2026-10-18, showcases Kapoor's journey from his early pigment-covered sculptures to his current large-scale works. He views his practice as a balance between commercially successful pieces and unsold, monumental creations, all aimed at eliciting a profound 'ahhh' moment from the audience.

Kapoor's personal history, marked by experiences of displacement and identity, informs his art, though he rejects defining his work through 'psychobiography.' He advocates for artists to explore diverse perspectives, stating, 'We can inhabit other states, in all sorts of ways.'

Central to his ethos are the words 'disagree, disobey, disavow,' reflecting a rebellious mindset vital for invention. This rebellious spirit is evident in his lifelong pursuit of artistic reinvention and his challenge to fundamental questions about the nature of art itself.