Gilbert and George: Inkwashed
Gilbert Prousch and George Passmore, collectively known as Gilbert & George, have been pushing the boundaries of contemporary art for over five decades. Their unique partnership has yielded a body of work that challenges conventions, societal norms, and the traditional notion of art. Their commitment to using art as a medium for social commentary and exploration of the human condition is evident in their ink wash works.
The two met while studying sculpture at St Martin's School of Art in London in 1967. They soon discovered their shared artistic vision, and the collaborative journey of Gilbert & George was born. Since then, they have become an inseparable artistic duo, known for pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms through their art. With their highest auction record being ‘Death Hope Life Fear’ which was sold for $4.3 million at a Christie's auction in 2008.
Gilbert & George rose to fame in the late 1960s as a pioneering artistic duo in London. They stood out by presenting themselves as "living sculptures," dressed in matching suits, and their provocative themes challenged societal norms. Their iconic ‘Singing Sculpture’ performance in 1970 attracted attention, and their first major exhibition at the Nigel Greenwood Gallery in the same year garnered critical acclaim. Their art explored controversial topics, including sexuality and religion, with bold visual imagery. They exhibited internationally, including at the Venice Biennale, gaining recognition and influencing contemporary art by using their lives as subjects in their work.
Ink wash painting, a traditional form of art that originated in East Asia, is known for its subtle and delicate beauty. It involves the use of ink and water to create flowing and harmonious compositions on paper or silk. However, Gilbert & George's ink wash artworks are far from traditional. They inject a sense of urgency, modernity, and provocation into this centuries-old art form.
“We may be two people but one artist”
— Gilbert and George
View these ink washes and other pieces by Gilbert and George at Extraordinary Objects Gallery, Cambridge