In the half century that they have lived and worked together, Gilbert & George have created powerful Anti-Art that is poetic, primal and emotionally driven. Famed and celebrated for their pioneering work, they address social issues, taboos and artistic conventions, exploring a wide breadth of subjects pertaining to race, sexuality, religion, and mortality.
‘Art for all’ is the belief that underpins Gilbert & George’s art. Although their art draws inspiration from daily life, the vision they offer is in turn metaphysical, mystical, or polemical, but always with a touch of humour and with the aim to convey a message. At Brafa they will present five recent large-scale works that will be placed at various spots throughout the fair. Their quirky vision of the world is sure to be a perfect fit in the land land of surrealism and BRAFA is proud to welcome them as guest of honour of its 2019 edition.
Gilbert was born in the Dolomites, Italy in 1943; George was born in Devon, UK, in 1942. Together they have participated in many important group and solo exhibitions including 51st International Venice Biennale (2005), Turner Prize, London (1984) and Carnegie International, Pittsburgh (1985). They have had extensive solo exhibitions, including Whitechapel Art Gallery, London (1971–72); National Gallery, Beijing and Shanghai Art Museum (1993); Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam (1995–96); Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (1998); Serpentine Gallery, London and Kunsthaus Bregenz (2002); Kestnergesellschaft, Hannover (2004–05); Tate Modern, London and Haus der Kunst, Munich (2007); Brooklyn Museum of Art, New York and Philadelphia Museum of Art (2008); ‘Jack Freak Pictures’, CAC Malaga, Museum of Contemporary Art, Zagreb and Palais des Beaux Arts, Brussels (2010); Deichtorhallen, Hamburg and Kunstmuseum Linz (2011); Laznia Centre for Contemporary Art Gdansk (2011–12); and Museum Kuppersmuhle, Duisberg (2012).
IMAGE: Early morning. The Artists set out for breakfast at Jeff’s Café in nearby Brune Street. Image courtesy Gilbert & George and White Cube.
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