Overview
A new exhibition of provocative, colourful and sometimes controversial contemporary British artwork has landed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki — and it's worth checking out by both art aficionados and novices alike. With the ethos "art is for all", British cultural icons Gilbert Prousch and George Passmore — known collectively as Gilbert and George — are known for their provocative layered "pictures", as they call them.
The pair met at art school in the 60s and began creating artworks together often appearing as figures — sometimes nude — in their own works. They're also known for addressing social issues and societal taboos in their works, including religion, sex, addiction and violence. According to critics, nothing is too personal or too forbidden for these two artists — they even include images of their long-time home in London. Any art exhibition that comes with the warning that it "contains some content that may cause offence" is worth checking out, in our opinion.
Jennifer French
And good news for Aucklanders — this exhibition offers a glimpse at the artists' works that haven't previously been seen elsewhere. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki co-ordinating curator, Matthias Arndt and venue coordinator Ron Brownson worked hand-in-hand with the artists to bring together both existing and new works, including some from Gilbert and George's own personal collection. Head in to check it out — maybe just leave the young kids (or easily offended souls) at home.
The exhibition runs from Saturday, June 25 until Sunday, September 11, with adult passes costing $24.50, students $19.50 and children under 12 able to head in for free.
Jennifer French