Creuser

Artiste

Gilbert & George

Né(e) à San Martin de Tor, Italie

Début de vie et formation

Gilbert Prousch : Né le 17 septembre 1943 à San Martin de Tor, en Italie, Gilbert Prousch (parfois appelé Gilbert Proesch) a grandi en parlant le ladin comme langue maternelle. Il a reçu une formation artistique formelle à la Sëlva School of Art à Val Gardena, en Autriche, suivie d'études à la Hallein School of Art et à l'Akademie der Kunst de Munich avant de s'installer en Angleterre.

George Passmore : Né le 8 janvier 1942 à Plymouth, au Royaume-Uni, George Passmore a eu un parcours éducatif moins conventionnel. Il quitte l'école régulière à quinze ans et poursuit des études artistiques au Dartington College of Arts et à l'Oxford School of Art.

Rencontre et collaboration : Le moment décisif de leur parcours artistique s'est produit le 25 septembre 1967, alors qu'ils étaient tous les deux étudiants en sculpture à la Saint Martin's School of Art. Ils ont rapidement formé un partenariat collaboratif qui dure depuis plus de cinq décennies.

Développement et style artistiques

Sculpture vivante : En 1967, Gilbert & George ont conceptualisé l'idée de « sculpture vivante », remettant en question les notions traditionnelles de l'art en se déclarant eux-mêmes comme l'œuvre d'art. Cela impliquait de fusionner leurs vies en une seule expression artistique.

Premières performances : Leurs premières performances, telles que « The Singing Sculpture » (1969), étaient non conventionnelles et provocatrices. Ils se couvraient de poudres métalliques et interprétaient des chansons debout sur des tables, brouillant les frontières entre l'art et la vie.

Apparence formelle : Une caractéristique déterminante de Gilbert & George est leur tenue formelle constante – des costumes impeccablement taillés qui sont devenus un élément emblématique de leur persona artistique. Cette présentation délibérée contraste avec le contenu souvent provocateur de leur travail.

Les images : Ils sont réputés pour leurs œuvres photographiques à grande échelle, connues sous le nom de « The Pictures ». Celles-ci ont évolué d'images en noir et blanc à l'incorporation de couleurs vives, de grilles et de sujets provocateurs. Leur style artistique mélange des éléments du surréalisme, du pop art et de l'art conceptuel.

Thèmes et œuvres majeures

Sujets provocateurs : Gilbert & George abordent sans crainte des thèmes controversés dans leur art, notamment la religion, le patriotisme, la sexualité, l'identité, les dynamiques de pouvoir et les tabous sociétaux. Ils utilisent souvent des images choquantes et un langage explicite pour remettre en question les normes conventionnelles.

Œuvres notables : Certaines de leurs œuvres importantes incluent « George the Cunt and Gilbert the Shit » (1969), qui a audacieusement répondu aux critiques en s'auto-étiquetant ; “The Gate of Hell”, “The Family” et “Dig”.

Focus sur l'East London : Leur travail est profondément ancré dans leur résidence de longue date à East London, en particulier à Spitalfields. Ils considèrent la région comme un microcosme des problèmes sociétaux plus larges et dépeignent fréquemment ses habitants et son paysage urbain.

Le centre Gilbert & George : En avril 2023, ils ont inauguré le centre Gilbert & George dans Heneage Street, à Londres E1, dédié à la présentation de leur travail par le biais d'expositions régulières.

Reconnaissance et importance historique

Prix et nominations : Tout au long de leur carrière, Gilbert & George ont reçu de nombreuses distinctions, notamment des nominations pour le Turner Prize et des prix tels que le South Bank Show Award et le Lorenzo il Magnifico Award.

Collections muséales : Leurs œuvres sont conservées dans de prestigieuses collections muséales du monde entier, dont la Tate Britain, le Victoria and Albert Museum et le Museum of Contemporary Art de Los Angeles.

Influence sur l'art contemporain : Gilbert & George sont considérés comme des figures très influentes de l'art contemporain. Ils ont remis en question les frontières artistiques traditionnelles, ouvert la voie à l'art performance et tracé la voie à de nouvelles formes d'expression.

Héritage : Leur collaboration durable et leur engagement indéfectible envers leur vision artistique unique ont consolidé leur place comme l'un des duos artistiques les plus importants et les plus innovants des XXe et XXIe siècles. Ils continuent de provoquer, d'inspirer et de défier le public avec leur travail audacieux et sans compromis.

Musée

Galerie d’art de Nouvelle-Galles du Sud

Exposé à Sydney, Australie

A Window into Colonial Australia: The Art of New South Wales

Nestled within the vibrant heart of Sydney, the Art Gallery of New South Wales is more than simply a collection of paintings and sculptures; it’s an immersive journey through centuries of cultural exchange. Founded on the ancestral lands of the Gadigal people – a recognition that remains deeply woven into the gallery's very ethos – this institution invites visitors to contemplate not only the beauty housed within its walls, but also the complex, often challenging narrative of Australia’s formation. From the meticulous detail of early engravings depicting the arrival of Governor Arthur Phillip to the bold expressions of contemporary street art, the Gallery offers a remarkably diverse collection reflecting the varied experiences that shaped colonial art and continue to resonate powerfully today.

The gallery's origins trace back to 1872 with the establishment of the New South Wales Academy of Art. Initially conceived as a platform for organizing annual exhibitions, it swiftly evolved into a vital cornerstone for emerging Australian artists. The building itself – originally constructed as the Royal North Shore Hospital in 1856 – is an integral part of the gallery’s story. Designed by the esteemed architect John Habens, its imposing Victorian façade speaks volumes about a time when hospitals were not merely places of healing, but symbols of civic pride and burgeoning progress. The deliberate repurposing into an art gallery in 1973 was a profound act of preservation, honoring the building's rich historical fabric while simultaneously providing a fitting and dynamic space for artistic expression. The painstaking restoration has meticulously maintained the original grandeur, layering architectural history with the vibrant energy of contemporary exhibitions – notice the soaring arches, the intricate stonework; each element whispers tales of generations past.

A Legacy of Patronage and Artistic Voice

The Gallery’s collection is particularly enriched by the influence of Charles Jones, a prominent patron and collector who played a pivotal role in nurturing the burgeoning artistic community within New South Wales during the 19th century. Recognizing the immense potential residing amongst these colonial artists, Jones actively championed their talents, fostering their growth through astute acquisitions and unwavering support. His dedication resulted in a significant collection that showcases not only the evolution of artistic styles and techniques – from the formal elegance of early portraiture to the burgeoning Romanticism capturing the rugged beauty of the Australian landscape – but also the spirit of innovation and experimentation that defined this era.

Keep an eye out for works by Francis Wheatley, whose meticulous engravings immortalized figures like Arthur Phillip Esq., offering a poignant glimpse into the initial stages of settlement and the enduring influence of British authority. The gallery also houses a remarkable collection of Charles Jones’s acquisitions, representing his discerning taste and commitment to supporting local talent – a testament to his belief in the power of art to reflect and shape national identity.

Notable Exhibitions & Artistic Voices

The Art Gallery of New South Wales consistently hosts a dynamic program of exhibitions that illuminate diverse themes and artistic movements. Recent highlights have included compelling retrospectives dedicated to pioneering Australian artists like Charles Condor, whose dramatic seascapes capture the raw power of the Pacific Ocean with breathtaking intensity; and explorations of contemporary street art – a vibrant reflection of urban culture, social commentary, and evolving perspectives on identity. The Archibald Prize, Australia’s most prestigious portraiture award, is regularly featured at the gallery, offering a captivating insight into the nation's artistic talent and its ever-evolving approaches to representation. Don’t miss opportunities to explore thematic exhibitions focusing on Indigenous Australian art – showcasing traditional storytelling techniques, intricate symbolism, and the profound connection between art and culture; an essential component of understanding Australia’s rich artistic heritage.

Furthermore, the Gallery frequently hosts touring exhibitions from international institutions, broadening the scope of its collection and providing fresh perspectives for visitors to contemplate. These collaborations ensure that the gallery remains a vital hub for artistic exchange and discovery.

The Lewers Bequest: A Pivotal Collection

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Art Gallery of New South Wales is undoubtedly the Lewers Bequest – a remarkable collection of 19th-century Australian paintings amassed by Sir John Edward Lewers, a prominent businessman and art collector. This bequest represents a pivotal moment in the development of Australian art history, providing an unparalleled opportunity to study the evolution of artistic styles and techniques within the colony with exceptional detail. The collection includes works by artists such as Frederick McCubbin, Tom Roberts, and Russell Drysdale – masters who captured the essence of rural life and the spirit of the Australian landscape; offering a comprehensive overview of the period’s artistic landscape.

The Lewers Bequest is housed in a dedicated wing of the gallery, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in this extraordinary assemblage and appreciate its significance within the broader context of Australian art history. The careful curation and presentation of these works offer a unique window into the tastes, passions, and artistic sensibilities of a bygone era.

A Living Collection: Research & Community Engagement

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is more than just a display space; it’s a vibrant hub for research, education, and community engagement. Its dedicated curatorial team actively investigates the provenance and significance of its artworks, contributing to a deeper understanding of Australian art history through rigorous scholarship and meticulous analysis. The gallery also offers a diverse range of educational programs, workshops, and guided tours designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds – from school groups eager to explore artistic concepts to seasoned art enthusiasts seeking new insights. Moreover, the Gallery’s commitment extends beyond its physical walls through collaborations with local schools, universities, and cultural organizations, promoting artistic literacy, supporting emerging talent, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts within the wider community. The gallery's website provides extensive resources for researchers, students, and art lovers alike, solidifying its role as a vital center for Australian art scholarship.