Gilbert & George Paperback - 2007

Accompanying the retrospective exhibition of their work at Tate Modern opening February 2007, the largest ever staged at the museum, Gilbert & George provides a highly affordable introduction to the career of these extraordinary artists. Featuring chronologically arranged reproductions of all the works feautured in the show, the catalogue also includes previously unpublished installations, drawings and ephemera. Curator Jan Debbaut introduces the work of Gilbert & George and examines the importance of this retrospective, touring exhibition of their work. Novelist and cultural commentator Michael Bracewell considers the vital role the East End of London has played in the artists' work, exploring their relationship with the city and placing them in an artistic tradition including the great 19th Century realist novelists and the films of David Lean. Art Historian and critic Marco Livingstone challenges the viewer to abandon their preconceptions before the artists' work and experience the world view of Gilbert & George in all its powerful intensity.A series of hand-written quotes by the artists commenting upon their work, and their position as 'living sculptures' are featured throughout the book and provide a fascinating insight into their artistic practice. With an illustrated chronology and bibliography designed by the artists, this catalogue is an affordable and comprehensive introduction to two of the most significant artists working today.