Gilbert & George: Death Hope Life Fear... - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1917627017 ISBN 13: 9781917627016

Publisher: Hurtwood Press, 2025

Synopsis

Featuring 18 works created by Gilbert & George between 1984 and 1998, this book ties in with the 2025 exhibition at the Gilbert & George Centre in London.

Gilbert & George are two men, but one artist. Tying in with the exhibition ‘Death Hope Life Fear’ at the Gilbert & George Centre in London in 2025, this book presents a striking selection of 18 works created by Gilbert & George between 1984 and 1998. This period saw the artist's practice expand into bold, visionary realms, marked by heightened colour, confrontational imagery and an almost ritualistic intensity. At the heart of the exhibition is the monumental quadripartite work 'Death Hope Life Fear' (1984), a pivotal piece within 'The 1984 Pictures', encapsulating themes of youth, nature, identity and cosmic order. The artist's use of colour – jarring, industrial and synthetic – intensifies their subject matter, while their own presence within the images transforms them into seer-like figures, navigating the moral and existential dimensions of modern existence. The exhibition traces a journey from earlier works, from 'Finding God' (1982) and 'Drunk with God' (1983) to the striking 'New Democratic Pictures' (1991) and the introspective 'Rudimentary Pictures' (1998). Here, Gilbert & George explore ideas of bodily existence, city life and personal transformation, culminating in their stark, unflinching depictions of the nude self.

Through their ever-evolving visual language, Gilbert & George reaffirm their commitment to ‘Art for All’, using their pictures as both a reflection and challenge to contemporary society. Death Hope Life Fear is a powerful testament to their lifelong pursuit of universal truths, inviting viewers to engage in a deeply personal and provocative encounter with their art.

About this title

About the Author

Gilbert & George began creating art together in 1967 when they met at Central St Martins. From the beginning, in their films and 'Living Sculpture' performances, they have appeared as figures in their own art. The ‘two men, one artist’ believe that everything is a potential subject matter for art. They address social issues and taboos, challenging what might be considered ‘good taste’. The backdrop and inspiration for much of their art is the East End of London where Gilbert & George have lived for nearly 50 years.

Edition details

• Publisher: Hurtwood Press
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1917627017
• ISBN 13: 9781917627016
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 60