Anish Kapoor, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a top source, creator of “Cloud Gate” Anish Kapoor is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the artist's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 14/04/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Kapoor for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 72-year-old artist, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Kapoor so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the artist have already been named ‘English Of The Year’ by some major English newspapers and even ‘Mumbai Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Mumbai (Anish Kapoor's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the artist was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Anish Kapoor Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 13 Apr 2026

“Congrats! Anish has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 13 Apr 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Anish Kapoor?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 13 Apr 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Anish Kapoor?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Celebrity Central