LIVING SCULPTURES

“Living Sculptures” pays homage to Gilbert & George’s irreverent, provocative, communicative and ironic artworks, a point of reference for the London art scene since the 1960s. 

“Living Sculptures” celebrates the iconic artistic duo’s unique creativity, through their in-depth analysis of the human condition and their ability to surpass traditional barriers distinguishing art and life. 

A testimonial of the duo’s In Your Face Art investigating and undermining the bourgeoise society, in which they set foot, while maintaining an aesthetic detachment, much like dandies did before them. A reference to Gilbert & George’s “Art for all,” as a demonstration of their opposition to elitist art, defining themselves as living sculptures.

A remembrance and appreciation of the couple’s big breakthrough with the now legendary Singing Sculpture (1969), a performance during which the two artists, standing on a table, sang and moved like automata to the notes of “Underneath the Arches,” a traditional song celebrating the freedom of travelers and drifters.

The duo moves in a restricted space, at a slow pace, dressed like City employees: the small pedestal on which they stand becomes an opportunity to narrate an inner/outer space, representing the bourgeoise society in which they operate while distancing themselves from high art and clashing, also through formal choices, with the culture that characterized the radical protests of 1968.

Words and Content Editor by Annie Markitanis