Sky Arts is set to air “The Pilgrimage of Gilbert & George,” a compelling feature documentary that explores the artistic journey of Gilbert & George, the duo renowned for their unique blend of life and art. Known as ‘living sculptures,’ their work has been a provocative and integral part of the British art scene for over fifty years.
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Broadcasting from their iconic house and studio just off London’s Brick Lane, the documentary features a blend of multiple new interviews and a rich collection of historic and rare archival footage. This combination constructs an engrossing narrative that reflects on their groundbreaking work which has continuously attracted both fascination and controversy.
“The Pilgrimage of Gilbert & George” explores their art and life journey, described as a literal pilgrimage, which is profoundly documented through their own voices and minimal external commentary. The film promises to offer a deep, rare insight into their personal philosophy of ‘art for all,’ presenting their artistic expressions as not only revolutionary but accessible and profoundly human.
Gilbert & George, the artistic duo composed of Gilbert Prousch and George Passmore, have been creating art together since meeting at St. Martin’s School of Art in London in 1967. Known for their distinctive and highly formal appearance in business suits, and their commitment to living art as an inseparable duo, they have pioneered a unique approach where their lives and artistic expressions are indistinguishable. Their art is famous for its highly structured, large-scale photo montages, often infused with bold colors and graphic lines, addressing social issues, urban life, sexuality, and human emotions with a blend of irony and empathy. They describe their joint persona as “two people, one artist,” and their work frequently explores the complexities of identity and the urban experience.
The work of Gilbert & George is marked by an amalgamation of the personal and political, characterized by stark, sometimes shocking imagery intertwined with themes of religion, sexuality, and societal conflicts. The pair has consistently pushed boundaries with their confrontational style, employing images of themselves in what they term “Living Sculptures,” challenging traditional conventions and expectations of what art can be. Their art, while provocative, is also profoundly romantic and brutally realistic, capturing the fragility of the human condition and the tumult of the contemporary world. Despite the controversy their work often generates, Gilbert & George remain steadfast in their mission to make art an ‘inclusive, not exclusive’ experience, firmly holding to their mantra of “art for all.”
This Sky Arts feature, a production by Supercollider / Zinc TV directed by Mike Christie, encapsulates the spirit of Gilbert & George with a vision that is stark, urban, and visionary, yet poetic and romantically brutal. It is designed to resonate with a wide audience, adhering to the artists’ mantra.
Catch “The Pilgrimage of Gilbert & George” on Sky Arts, Freeview, and NOW, premiering on 28th May at 9 PM.
