Gilbert & George : obsessions & compulsions (Contemporary artists)

This major new monograph on the internationally renowned artists Gilbert & George provides a fascinating insight into their lives and work.

Since first meeting in the St Martin's School of Art in 1967 while studying sculpture, the two artists have become inseparable, living and working together in their home in London's East End.

All their work is based on the idea that they are Living Sculptures, that is, the artwork and they themselves are ultimately one and the same. They have exhibited across the globe, including Europe, the Americas, China and Russia. The book contains selected examples of their oeuvre including 'singing sculptures', 'postcard art' and their large photographic-based works which they call 'Pictures', together with an incisive introductory overview and an interview. Also included are examples of their working drawings, their exhibition designs and plans, and some images from their personal social archives, many of which have never been published.

The artists have recently changed their studio methods to digital picture making, and the book includes imagery specially created for this publication.

The book forms part of a series that presents a critical appraisal of some of the most innovative and controversial contemporary artists in the world. Each book will contain an art historical appreciation of the artist's work and a substantial new interview with each artist, focusing on themes such as technique and working practice.

Robin Dutt has been an art critic, curator and advisor for over 10 years. He has worked for numerous British publications including the Independent and BBC Radio.