Meaning: Anish Kapoor, an Indian-born British sculptor known for his large-scale public artworks, has made significant contributions to the contemporary art world through his exploration of space, form, and materiality. The quote "I think I understand something about space. I think the job of a sculptor is spatial as much as it is to do with form" encapsulates Kapoor's deep understanding of the interplay between space and form in sculptural practice.

Kapoor's statement reflects his belief that the role of a sculptor extends beyond the creation of tangible forms; it also involves a profound engagement with the spatial environment in which the artwork exists. For Kapoor, space is not merely a void to be filled with sculptural objects, but rather a dynamic and integral component of the sculptural experience. This perspective aligns with the principles of installation art, where the spatial context is as significant as the physical elements within it.

In his practice, Kapoor has demonstrated a mastery of manipulating space through his use of monumental forms and reflective surfaces that interact with and transform the surrounding environment. One of his most iconic works, "Cloud Gate" in Chicago's Millennium Park, exemplifies this approach. The massive, mirrored sculpture not only reflects the cityscape and the people around it but also distorts and reconfigures the surrounding space, blurring the boundaries between the artwork and its environment.

Furthermore, Kapoor's exploration of space extends beyond the physical realm and delves into the metaphysical and psychological dimensions of space. His enigmatic voids, such as the "Descent into Limbo" installation, challenge viewers to confront the disorienting experience of spatial ambiguity, inviting them to contemplate the intangible aspects of space, such as depth, absence, and the unknown.

The relationship between space and form in Kapoor's work also speaks to his interest in phenomenology, the study of how we experience and perceive the world around us. By manipulating spatial configurations and material properties, Kapoor creates immersive environments that elicit visceral and emotional responses from the audience. His sculptures invite viewers to move around, contemplate from different angles, and engage with the interplay of light, shadow, and reflection, thereby heightening their awareness of spatial dynamics.

Kapoor's insightful perspective on the spatial dimension of sculptural practice has influenced a generation of artists and expanded the discourse on the role of space in contemporary art. His emphasis on the sculptor's responsibility to engage with space as an active and transformative element challenges traditional notions of sculpture as static objects in a fixed environment. Instead, Kapoor's approach encourages a reevaluation of the relationship between art and space, advocating for a more holistic and experiential understanding of sculptural practice.

In conclusion, Anish Kapoor's quote encapsulates his profound understanding of the spatial aspects of sculptural practice, highlighting the interconnectedness of space and form in creating transformative and immersive artistic experiences. Through his innovative use of materials, scale, and spatial manipulation, Kapoor has redefined the sculptor's role as one that is inherently tied to the dynamic exploration and activation of space, inspiring a new generation of artists to reconsider the boundaries and possibilities of sculptural expression.