Introducing Gilbert & George

Rosenblum, Robert; Gilbert & George

ISBN 10: 0500284857 / ISBN 13: 9780500284858

Published by Thames & Hudson, 2004

About this Item

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 picturesâ "in which they appear either clothed in their trademark matching suits or completely nakedâ "are 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 society: 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 art: 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.

Seller Inventory # 85733

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Introducing Gilbert & George
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson
• Publication Date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0500284857
• ISBN 13: 9780500284858
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

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 society: 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 art: 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.

About the Author

Professor Robert Rosenblum is Henry Ittleson Jr. Professor of Modern European Art, Institute of Fine Arts, New York, and a curator at the Guggenheim Museum. He is the author of many books on modern and contemporary art, including On American Art, Sculpture of Picasso and The Jeff Koons Handbook.