Heavy Petting, 1981

Gilbert & George are a British artist duo known for their provocative and unconventional approach to art. Gilbert Prousch (b. 1943 Italy) and George Passmore (b. 1942 UK) met in 1967 at Saint Martin's School of Art in London. Rejecting traditional art forms, they became 'living sculptures,' integrating their lives into their art. Their early performance, 'The Singing Sculpture' (1969), featured them singing 'Underneath the Arches' while painted in metallic colors. They are renowned for large-scale, brightly colored photo-based artworks that explore themes like identity, sexuality, and religion. Their work often challenges societal norms and confronts taboo subjects. In 1986, they won the Turner Prize, and in 2005, they represented the UK at the Venice Biennale. In April 2023, they opened the Gilbert & George Centre in London to showcase their work.