London’s got a new art space, and it’s Gilbert & George-tastic A mini-museum from the UK’s most famous art duo
By Eddy Frankel
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a mini-museum from the UK’s most famous art duo, dedicated to, well, themselves. There’s a gallery space for them to show their own art, a film room for their own films and even an education centre devoted to themselves. It’s a genuinely staggering feat of narcissism.
But can you blame them? For decades, they have been at the forefront of British art. Love them or loathe them, they’ve helped shape how we see contemporary art in this country, and have become some of the most recognisable artists in the world in the process. Their art is naughty, satirical, funny and utterly its own. (...)
The centre opens with a show of ‘The Paradisical Pictures’, massive, classic Gilbert & George works comprised of photos of the duo have spliced together with bright images of dates and foliage. The film room, meanwhile, features a series of text-based – and very rude – works, emblazoned with phrases like ‘I’m Straight’ and ‘Fuck ’Em All’.
Gilbert & George are icons of British art, and now they get to celebrate themselves in their own private museum. Yes, it’s faintly ludicrous, but it’s also brilliant to have a new art space in this city. And if you had the money, and the status, wouldn’t you open a museum dedicated to yourself too?
The Gilbert & George Centre, 5a Heneage St, E1 5LJ. Opens Apr 1. Free.
