Scratching surfaces: Kapoor at Versailles

Since Jeff Koon’s debut in 2008, the palace of Versailles has annually invited an artist to display work in its grand surrounds. This year is the turn of 61 year old Bombay born, British artist, Anish Kapoor. Unlike previously commissioned artists, he has decided not to show work inside the palace, focussing instead on the 800 hectares of gardens that were carefully designed by André La Nôtre in 1661. He has assembled an exhibition of only six sculptures that succeeds in filling the massive space at Versailles, through illusion, and by positioning work in proximity to historically significant structures. He successfully augments the visitor’s perception of the gardens, and the royal history that unfolded within them.