Lake Avernus: Anish Kapoor’s Striking New Entrance to Monte Sant’Angelo Subway Station in Naples
Situated west of Naples along the Tyrrhenian coast lies the legendary Lake Avernus. Known in Latin as the entrance to hell or the underworld, this volcanic crater was believed by the ancient Romans to be the portal to Hades. The poet Dante Alighieri also referenced this belief in his epic work, “Inferno.” Drawing inspiration from this mythological connection, renowned artist Anish Kapoor has created a stunning new entrance to the Monte Sant’Angelo subway station in central Naples.
Anish Kapoor is celebrated for his large-scale sculptures and installations that evoke visceral psychological experiences. From the perpetually swirling whirlpool of black water in “Descension” to the meat-like slab of wax being wedged through a doorway in “Svayambhu,” Kapoor’s work delves into the depths of human emotion. One of his most famous pieces, the mirrored “Cloud Gate” in Chicago, has become an iconic symbol of the city.
Kapoor’s design for the Monte Sant’Angelo station entrances reflects his fascination with dualistic relationships and the interplay between lightness and darkness. The two entrances, crafted from weathered steel and tubular steel, embody contrasting forms – one suggesting an amorphous bodily shape, while the other appears as a sleek and mysterious conduit. These entrances exist in dialogue with each other, creating a dynamic space that blurs the boundaries between sculpture and architecture.
The station itself serves as a remarkable fusion of Kapoor’s key themes: the mythological object, the body, and the void. Through his art, Kapoor explores the complex interplay between internal and external experiences, inviting travelers to contemplate the depths of their own psyche as they pass through the station.
To experience more of Anish Kapoor’s transformative artworks, visit his website and delve into a world where sculpture and architecture merge to create new and immersive spaces. Discover the power of art in unexpected places, from subway stations to city streets, and embrace the journey into the unknown with Kapoor as your guide.
