Bob and Roberta Smith: The Secret to a Good Life - Hardcover

Bob Smith; Roberta Smith

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1910350834 ISBN 13: 9781910350836

Publisher: Royal Academy of Arts, 2018

Synopsis

• Bob and Roberta Smith tells a poignant and witty family story in this new book, which accompanies an exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, London
• A personal project that addresses the position of women in the art world through the story of the artist's mother, Deirdre Borlase

When Bob and Roberta Smith - pseudonym of the artist Patrick Brill was elected a Royal Academician in 2013, he had a more complex relationship with the Royal Academy than most. He remembers well the feeling of suspense as his parents, both artists, waited to hear whether their submissions had been accepted for the annual Summer Exhibition. The outcome brought jubilation or despair, but rarely to both, which led to its problems.

In The Secret to a Good Life, Bob and Roberta Smith introduces his mother, Deirdre Borlase, and her encounters with the often sexist and class-ridden art establishment of post-war Britain. Her story has led her son to ruminate on drawing, politics and the challenge that art can pose to authority. In the colourful signwriting style for which he is best known, the artist tells a poignant and political family story. In the end, it is Deirdre who provides the answer to the question: what is the secret to a good life?

Accompanies an installation at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, from 4 September 2018.

About this title

About the Author:

Bob and Roberta Smith OBE RA is an artist, political campaigner, musician and Associate Professor at London Metropolitan University. His previous books include Bob and Roberta Smith: I Should Be in Charge (2011) and Make Your Own Damn Art (2005).

About this edition

• Publisher: Royal Academy of Arts
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1910350834
• ISBN 13: 9781910350836
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 96