Introducing Gilbert & George

by Robert Rosenblum

A lively and intimate look at the career of two of the most influential living artists in the world today . Ever since they met at St. Martin's School of Art in London in 1967, Gilbert & George have worked exclusively together, turning their life into their work, themselves into art. More than thirty-five years later, their large, colorful, multipanel picturesin which they appear either clothed in their trademark matching suits or completely nakedare instantly recognizable. Celebrated the world over, their work has been the subject of major exhibitions throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, and it continues to exert an immense influence on generations of younger artists. Eminent art historian, critic, and close friend of the artists Robert Rosenblum looks back at a lifetime of work that has amused and shocked, but has always sought to address the fundamental concerns and issues of modern alcoholism, sex, fear, racial tension, religion, violence, unemployment, and corruption. He considers how in their sculptures, photographic works, drawings, and performance pieces, Gilbert & George have continually shown themselves to be humorous and subversive commentators in the tradition of England's finest socially engaged artists, and he discusses the enduring appeal and impact of their art. Some of the pair's most important works, from the "Singing Sculptures" of the late 1960s to their very latest brightly colored pictures, illustrate Rosenblum's perceptive text, while quotes and statements from the artists provide a fascinating insight into their lives, works, and personalities. Gilbert & George's is a democratic they want to make art for everyone and not just an elitist art world. This entertaining book is the perfect introduction to their work. 70 illustrations, 50 in color.

Genres: Art

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Robert Rosenblum was a curator at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and a professor at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University. He is the author of multiple volumes on modern and contemporary art, including The Paintings of August Strindberg and Paintings in the Musee d'Orsay. Rosenblum is the recipient of a Frank Jewett Mather Award for Distinction in Art Criticism.

Reviews

[Jeff Howells · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit of bedtime reading. Gilbert & George are one of my favourite 20th Century artists (well I have a couple of signed exhibition posters framed in my living room). If you can get over the slightly pretentious accompanying text this is a useful overview of their work. Clearly they hit on a style quite early on that works for them. They are now in that odd position of being national treasures who still like to shock...long may they do so.

[Mark Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love pop art and Warhol and I could see similarities between Gilbert and George and Warhol.
For some reason there work doesn’t appeal to me, I’m not quite sure why it doesn’t.
There work looks similar to my own digital art too, so I should like it?
Gilbert and George’s art is visually striking, it’s fascinating.
Maybe I’m not getting the meaning behind the work? Do I find it too crude? Possibly.

[Robin Goossens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hihi

[Daniel Severin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides just what its title promises, a concise overview and intriguing contextualization of the artists' works. Their influences, ranging from religion and geography to current events & four-letter words, are presented in an insightful way to give meaning to some very strong, multi-layered images.