Liverpool Cathedral is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024 with a unique exhibition by the legendary British-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor. Renowned for his iconic artworks like Chicago’s Cloud Gate (2004) and Svayambhu (2007) a vast train of wax that squeezed through the rooms of the Royal Academy in London in 2009, Kapoor has captivated the art world for over four decades, and now, he’s bringing his visionary works to the heart of Liverpool.
Titled Monadic Singularity, this exhibition 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 will transform Liverpool Cathedral’s spaces, showcasing Kapoor’s profound artistic genius.
Monadic Singularity brings together works that offer an experience of the sublime that is rooted in the corporeal. 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. Kapoor’s work is saturated in the sense of an unknown that we unconsciously know, and his use of materials to manipulate our perception of the knowable to alter our understanding of objects, has born a unique sculptural language that inhabits a space of becoming and potential. Pigment, stone, steel, wax and silicone are engineered to the point of a dissolution of boundaries between the material and the immaterial.
Featuring 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 incredible cathedral’s gothic architecture.
In an era where digital distractions abound, Kapoor’s artworks invite audiences to pause, reflect, and connect with deeper spiritual dimensions, echoing the cathedral’s daily explorations of faith and existence. This landmark show is a highlight in Liverpool Cathedral’s year-long centenary celebrations, commemorating its consecration in 1924.
The Very Rev’d Dr Dean Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool said of this unmissable occasion “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.”
Paul Smith, Director of Enterprise at Liverpool Cathedral added “In the last 5 or 6 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.”
Elisa Nocente, Head of Cultural Programme at Liverpool Cathedral and curator of the exhibition stated “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.”
This exhibition is made possible by the generous support of Culture Liverpool and the Liverpool BID Company, as well as our partners 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 all our 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 in a unique and unforgettable way.
“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.”
Don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary convergence of art and spirituality. The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday 10th August and runs until Sunday 15th September. Tickets will be available for exclusive late-night viewings at the Cathedral, which include a special tour of the show, on Thursday 15th and Thursday 22nd August.
More information, including how to purchase tickets for the late-night Thursdays, can be found on the Liverpool Cathedral website. This is more than an exhibition— it is a must-see and a monumental moment in Liverpool’s rich art history.
For more information visit https://liverpoolcathedral.org.uk/anishkapoor