Gilbert & George

Gilbert & George have created art together for fifty years. Together they are one artist. Their approach has always been anti-elitist. Adopting the slogan ‘Art for All’, they have succeeded in being relevant far beyond the confines of the art world and have reached huge audiences across the globe. For over half a century, they have been among the most visible artists on the planet. This is not surprising, since the recurring themes in their art could not be more fundamental to us humans: politics, religion, sexuality and beauty. Ultimately, what their art is about is human life itself. Early on, Gilbert and George became Living Sculpture in both their art and their daily lives, becoming not only creators, but also the art itself. Everything they do is part of the art. This is how their favourite British writer, Michael Bracewell, describes their artistic vision and the way they are united into a sculptural work: ‘The vision of Gilbert and George is their art, of which they are the embodiment. Therefore Gilbert and George are the art of Gilbert & George. The art of Gilbert and George is based upon thoughts, feelings and intellect. Gilbert & George are a total modern independent visionary artist, alone.’1 This large survey, which celebrates half a century of Gilbert & George, has been organised in close dialogue with the artists themselves. It includes pictures from all periods, going back to their first works displayed as grid-arrangements, a format that soon became their formal signature. Early on the iconography became more complex, drawing upon symbolism and allegory to explore the themes of eroticism, religion, and politics. Although their art never shies away from violence, death, poverty and the pains of being an outsider, it always remains playful and full of ambiguities. Amidst the harshest social struggles, Gilbert & George also find beauty and dignity and reasons to celebrate life.