Gilbert & George: Dark Shadow: the sculptors

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Gilbert & George created Dark Shadow in 1974 as a 'living sculpture book', featuring original text and artwork by the pair. Hurtwood's limited re-edition celebrates its fiftieth anniversary.

Gilbert & George created Dark Shadow in 1974 as a 'living sculpture book', the 'result of our past three years of earnest daily thoughts, shadows, deeds, cares and pleasures.' Hurtwood's limited re-edition of 2,000 marks its fiftieth anniversary.

Featuring original text and artwork by Gilbert & George, the publication offers an unparalleled perspective on the early career of one of the twentieth century's most significant artistic duos. Like their art, Gilbert & George's writing is irreverent, rebellious, fantastical, often funny and deeply poetic. The book includes a letter to their readers and original photographs by the artists of themselves, their famous home in Spitalfields in East London and their pictures.

Dark Shadow is structured into eight chapters, which elaborate on the inspirations behind Gilbert & George's work such as London life and British culture, including, of course, Gordon's Gin. As is emblazoned on the cover, Dark Shadow is a continuation of their lifelong agenda 'Art for All', and each book is a piece of art in itself, uniquely bound in the UK with hand-marbled cloth.

Author Bio

Gilbert & George began creating art together in 1967 when they met at Central St Martins, and from the beginning, they have appeared as figures in their work. The 'two men, one artist' believe that everything is potential subject matter for art. They address social issues and taboos, challenging what might be considered 'good taste'. Implicit in their work is the idea that sacrifice and personal investment are necessary conditions of art. The inspiration for much of Gilbert & George's art is the East End of London where they have lived for nearly fifty years.