ALL IMAGES: © GILBERT &
ALL IMAGES: © GILBERT & GEORGE, COURTESY THE ARTISTS AND SPRÜTH MAGERS; INSTALLATION VIEW BY CHRISTIAN ØEN Their individual pieces – which generally sell well, but still below prices one might expect of artists of their stature – aim to reach beyond the traditional, well-educated audience for fine art. “Art changes the world,” G&G have affirmed consistently over the decades, and this is one of their few claims that can only be taken earnestly – because they have proved their dedication with their actions. Based in the Spitalfields neighbourhood of London for their entire career, they have acknowledged their local celebrity without embracing it. They do not venture into the houses of their neighbours for fear of obligation, just as they very rarely go to see any other artists’ works to avoid similar commitments. They are incredibly protective of this untarnished worldview, which they say is key to making their art. They have, for instance, just a single studio assistant, who they appreciate for his discretion: “If we had someone else,” George explains, “he might say ‘I really like The artists’ recall their early dancing works in Date Dance, 2019, 226 x 505cm, while, below, purple and green take centre stage in Full Fig, 2019, 226 x 316cm that purple’ and then of course we’d either never use that purple again – or we’d use it in everything”. A few minutes’ walk from their home, G&G are constructing a museum for their own work, an expansive space where they can “live forever” which will feature three large galleries and a small garden. George jokes that the pub next door, The Pride of Spitalfields, will have to change its name to The Shame of Spitalfields given its proximity to their provocative works. But of course that’s not true; if it’s smart the pub will change its name to The Gilbert & George and revel in the publicity. gilbertandgeorge.co.uk Where to See G&G The Great Exhibition is in Oslo at the Astrup Fearnley Museum (afmuseet.no) until January 2020, followed by displays in Zurich and Reykjavik. The selling show of their latest work, Paradisical Pictures, can be found at Sprüth Magers Los Angeles until January 2020, spruethmagers.com DEPARTURES 51
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