§ SIR ANISH KAPOOR C.B.E., R.A. (INDIAN/BRITISH 1954-)

SIR ANISH KAPOOR C.B.E., R.A. (INDIAN/BRITISH 1954-)
NO. 9, FROM 'TWELVE ETCHINGS' - 2007
Colour etching, 38/40, signed in pencil to margin, numbered verso, published by Paragon Press, London
the sheet 77cm x 90cm (30.25in x 35.5in)
Contemporary Editions, London
These striking and evocative works are from the portfolio of twelve etchings published by Paragon Press in 2007, in an edition of 40. This was Kapoor’s third project with Paragon Press and the process reveals the technical skill and collaborative approach required to generate a successful series of prints for an artist as exacting and specific as Kapoor, who once stated ‘Artists don’t make objects. Artists make mythologies.’ For this series, Kapoor worked closely with Peter Kosowicz of Thumbprint editions. On visits to the studio, Kapoor worked onto the plates themselves and then reviewed proofs after Peter finessed the technicalities, eventually selecting 15 works, although at this stage all printing and proofing had been done in monochrome. As a result, it was decided that they would publish two series: History, a portfolio of all 15 plates printed in black & white; and then 12 Etchings, a smaller grouping printed in colour. The addition of colour to the plates required extensive proofing and Kosowicz remembers the particular challenge of trying to achieve Kapoor’s desired effect, indicating that it was ‘difficult to retain the soft edges of Kapoor’s forms whilst at the same time keeping their tone strong.’As Paragon states in their introduction to the series, ‘the introduction of colour drastically changes our perception of these images, charging them emotionally. Soothing blue has a calming effect in some, whilst the use of energetic red in others adds a bodily and sexual element, insinuating blood, the womb and the female sexual organ. 12 Etchings illuminates a core aspect of Kapoor’s practice – the interaction of colour and form.’ Seeing them in person it is hard not to agree, the resulting works are compelling, the fluid, morphing forms feel somehow primal and rich and the varying velvety colours evoke radically different moods and associations.