Anish Kapoor is no stranger to large-scale installations (at the Tate Modern for example), and Paris’ annual Monumenta exhibition at the Grand Palais seems perfect for him; there’s no indoor arts space anywhere in the world on this scale. So what does he intend to do with it?Every year, Monumenta gives a contemporary artist free rein to use the huge nave of the Grand Palais – a majestic space bathed in natural light – for a specially-commissioned work, something that uses the huge space to its advantage, or rather, something that does not look tiny and ridiculous compared to the dimensions and grandeur of the space itself.The site for Monumenta 2011 has just gone live, and is fully translated into English (albeit fairly enigmatic English). Kapoor isn’t giving much away for the moment, but there are some indications of the direction he intends to take in the video below: he mentions the light of the place a lot, “an all-encompassing monochrome” (something that will be familiar to those who know his work), “walking through” a “passage” in a piece of work made up of two parts (?), and also that it will be “slow”, implying that some movement of the piece itself is involved.

Monumenta is also known for its desire to explain modern art to the lay person. Guides are available all around the exhibition, eager to help you understand the reasoning behind it, giving you the keys to unlock what many people find an impenetrable form of expression. Despite its size, this is art to be embraced and enjoyed, not intimidated by. Guided visits are available for adult, children and the handicapped. All the info is on the site, and there’s plenty to read there, so feel free to have a look around!Monumenta 2011 is at theGrand Palais (here)from 11th May – 23rd June 2011. Open every day except Tuesdays from 10am – midnight (7pm Mondays and Wednesdays). Admission is a very reasonable 5€ / 2.50€.

Official site: www.monumenta.com

Anish Kapoor’s website: www.anishkapoor.com