Gilbert & George

Gilbert Proesch and George Passmore, known collectively as Gilbert & George, are renowned British artists recognized for their groundbreaking artistic practice and distinctive personas. The duo met while studying at the Saint Martins School of Art in London and have since become inseparable partners in life and art.

Gilbert & George gained international fame in 1969 with their iconic performance piece, The Singing Sculpture, where they sang the classic tune Underneath the Arches while wearing metallic face paint. This seminal work marked the beginning of their collaborative journey and set the stage for their unique approach to art-making.

Their artistic practice encompasses a wide range of mediums, including drawing, film, mail art, photographic pictures, and digital prints reminiscent of stained glass.

Gilbert & George often incorporate elements of self-portraiture and appropriated mass-media imagery in their works. Their pieces explore complex themes such as gender, sexuality, religion, and mortality, oscillating between whimsical and provocative, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.

The duo’s art has been exhibited extensively worldwide, with major solo shows held at prestigious institutions like the Kunsthalle Zürich, Moderna Museet, Tate Modern, Museum of Modern Art, Stedelijk Museum, and the Guggenheim Museum. In 2005, they represented Great Britain at the prestigious Venice Biennale. In 1986, Gilbert & George were honored with the esteemed Turner Prize for their outstanding contributions to contemporary art.

Their artworks have garnered significant acclaim and recognition, with several pieces fetching seven-figure sums at auction. Gilbert & George's bold artistic vision, meticulous craftsmanship, and their unique presence in matching tweed suits have left an indelible mark on the art world, cementing their status as icons of contemporary art.