Anish Kapoor’s Monadic Singularity at Liverpool Cathedral: A Profound Intersection of Art and Spirituality

Photo by Gábor Balázs: https://www.pexels.com/photo/traditional-cathedral-in-liverpool-24781908/

To mark the centenary of Liverpool Cathedral, the iconic British-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor has unveiled a groundbreaking exhibition titled Monadic Singularity. This exhibition, running from August 10th to September 15th, 2024, represents Kapoor’s first solo show in a UK cathedral and his first return to Liverpool in over 40 years since his 1983 exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery.

A Monumental Exhibition in a Sacred Space

Monadic Singularity is a fitting title for this collection, which delves into the intersections of existence, materiality, and spirituality. Set against the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture of the UK’s largest cathedral, the exhibition features a selection of Kapoor’s works from the past 25 years, many of which have never been displayed in the UK before. The cathedral, with its towering arches and vast, echoing spaces, provides a deeply resonant environment for Kapoor’s exploration of key life moments such as birth, marriage, and death.

Among the most striking pieces is Sectional Body Preparing for Monadic Singularity (2015), a massive, immersive sculpture that dominates the cathedral’s Well. This piece, making its UK debut, is described by Kapoor as being “situated similarly between body and materiality and geometric immaterial which I refer to as the non-object.” The sculpture, with its dark, mysterious interior and glowing red tube, invites viewers into a space that feels both corporeal and otherworldly, echoing the cathedral’s own role as a place of reflection and transcendence.

In the cathedral’s Main Space, Kapoor has installed his red wax sculpture Untitled (2010), which contrasts starkly with the surrounding stone. Meanwhile, the Lady Chapel and Ambulatory host other significant works, including Imminence (2000), a stony, monolithic form, and Non-Object (Spire) (2007), a chromatic, biomorphic sculpture that plays with light and perception.

Artistic Vision and Symbolism

Kapoor’s works are renowned for their ability to evoke a deep, almost visceral response, blurring the lines between physical form and spiritual experience. As he explained, “It is my hope that this conjunction of object and non-object here in this immense and potent space will be cause for reflection on the nature of religious experience and the human condition.”

The exhibition’s title, Monadic Singularity, refers to the concept of a monad, an indivisible, elementary substance that reflects the order of the world. This philosophical foundation aligns perfectly with both Kapoor’s material-driven practice and the cathedral’s purpose as a place of spiritual contemplation. The artworks challenge viewers to consider the nature of existence and the ways in which the physical and metaphysical intersect.

A Landmark Moment for Liverpool Cathedral

The exhibition is not only a significant cultural event but also a milestone in Liverpool Cathedral’s ongoing efforts to integrate contemporary art into its programming. As Paul Smith, Director of Enterprise at Liverpool Cathedral, noted, “In the last five or six years, we’ve worked very hard to bring an exciting array of cultural programming to the cathedral… We wanted to take the program 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 and curator of the exhibition, echoed this sentiment: “It is an honor that Anish Kapoor has chosen to collaborate with Liverpool Cathedral in this landmark year. Kapoor’s artworks transcend their materiality; we hope that they will resonate on a deeply physical and emotional level for our audiences.”

A Celebration of Art and Spirituality

Monadic Singularity is a highlight of Liverpool Cathedral’s centenary celebrations and a unique opportunity to experience Kapoor’s work in a setting that enhances its spiritual and emotional impact. The exhibition is supported by Culture Liverpool, Liverpool BID Company, Lisson Gallery, and Boodles, among others, and is expected to draw visitors from across the country and beyond.

As Director of Culture Liverpool, Claire McColgan CBE, stated, “Culture Liverpool is delighted to work in partnership with the cathedral team to secure this culturally significant Anish Kapoor exhibition… 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.”

For those seeking an experience that transcends the ordinary, Monadic Singularity at Liverpool Cathedral offers a rare convergence of art, spirituality, and profound reflection, making it an unmissable event in the cultural calendar.