One of the most controversial installations in the Olympic Park is the giant tower - the Orbit - designed by Anish Kapoor. Intended as a statement piece, I was really prepared to hate it - but surprisingly I actually quite liked it. I liked the way it looked different from different angles. It didn't really look as though it could stand up, much less allow spectators to travel to the top (from where, apparently, the view over London is amazing). What I didn't like was the fact that tickets cost an extortionate £15 and had to be pre-booked. But the sculpture itself had a more benign feel in actuality than it has in photos - it almost seemed to have a personality, like some kind of ET creature watching over the Park. As a photographer, you could spend hours trying to decide on the best angle of view!
I think you've caught it very nicely, jennyfreckles. I've heard it described in all sorts of ways, a treble clef, an upside-down trombone. I think it looks a little like a jug, but your photograph wouldn't look out of place on the cover of a John Wyndham novel.
ReplyDeleteThe way you show it, it seems to be a concrete stairs that wants to get out from ground, and the iron part ants to keep it down. So I see a fight between the two parts!I'm wondering if people have to climb or if there's a lift inside?..
ReplyDeleteThere's a lift up but I understand - bizarrely - you then have to walk down.
DeleteMaybe I'll have to see it "in the flesh" to appreciate it! Just looks a mess to me!
ReplyDeleteMy first reaction was a carnival ride. The ticket does seem to be a little steep, but I suppose the builders are trying to make their money before the novelty wears off.
ReplyDeleteDid you watch Usain Bolt from up there? Fifteen pounds sounds really cheap when you are young!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a traditional kind of guy, so I am wired to dislike things like this. But, I have learned over the years to wait a bit and see whether it grows on me. Let's wait.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard whether it is a permanent installation. Love your pic!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's meant to be permanent. They will turn the Park into a tourist destination in time.
DeleteI agree about it being more friendly than it looks in the photos. It was visible from all over the park. £15 was a huge sum to pay. I'm hoping it might be less expensive when it re-opens :)
ReplyDeleteAs a statement piece, I like it! Like the red, the organic shape of it, and your angle!
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