Anish Kapoor Threatens to Withdraw Works from M HKA and S.M.A.K.
3 November 2025 - 7:42 pm – Open letterInternationally renowned artist Anish Kapoor has expressed deep concern in an urgent letter to Flemish Minister of Culture Caroline Gennez regarding the planned institutional restructuring at the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (M HKA) and S.M.A.K. (Ghent). Kapoor fears that his fragile and complex artworks are at risk due to the reorganization and emphasizes that his works must not be endangered as part of these plans.
From: Anish Kapoor <...@...>
Date: 2 November 2025 at 10:06:51 GMT
To: caroline.gennez@vlaanderen.be
Cc: kabinet.gennez@vlaanderen.be
Subject: Urgent Request Concerning the Works of Anish Kapoor
Dear Minister Gennez,
I am writing to you to express my deep concern regarding reports of institutional restructuring currently affecting Belgian contemporary art museums.
I, Anish Kapoor, have entrusted major works to the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (M HKA) and to S.M.A.K. (Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst, Ghent). These works were placed in the care of these institutions with the mutual understanding that they would be preserved, made publicly accessible, and treated with the highest professional respect.
Given the fragile and complex nature of my works, I cannot accept that they might be removed from M HKA or otherwise put at risk as part of any institutional reorganization.
Until we receive a clear, official written commitment guaranteeing that my work will remain in Antwerp and will continue to be exhibited regularly, I must formally request that all references to my artworks be removed from the websites of M HKA, and any affiliated Flemish institutions.
This issue is not only about protecting my artistic legacy, but also about upholding the integrity of the institutions responsible for safeguarding cultural heritage.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
Respectfully,
Anish Kapoor
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