Gilbert & George The Singing Sculpture
Gilbert & George The Singing Sculpture by Carter Ratcliff is a first edition published by Thames and Hudson in 1993. This 63-page oversize album provides a detailed documentation of the performance piece by the British duo, who are known for their witty and subversive social commentary through various art forms. The book captures their unique performance where they impersonate automatons while dressed impeccably, using metallic paint on their faces and hands, as they sing a Depression-era music-hall song about two London tramps.
Readers will find an exploration of the themes of homelessness, poverty, and the mechanization of popular entertainment within the context of Gilbert & George’s work. Ratcliff, a contributing editor of Art in America, presents the duo as didactic artists who aim to awaken individuality in their audiences. This edition serves as a visual and interpretative guide to The Singing Sculpture, showcasing the intersection of performance art and social commentary.
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From Publishers Weekly
In their paintings, sculptures, photo-pieces and performances, the British duo Gilbert & George have proven themselves witty, subversive social commentators. This oversize, profusely illustrated album documents The Singing Sculpture , a performance piece in which Gilbert & George–impeccably dressed, their faces and hands splotched with metallic paint–stand on a table and impersonate automatons who repetitively croon a Depression-era music-hall song about two London tramps. The duo baffled and entranced New York City gallery-goers with this “living sculpture” in 1971 and again in 1991. Art historian Rosenblum interprets the piece as a commentary on homelessness, poverty and the mechanization of popular entertainment. Ratcliff, contributing editor of Art in America , provocatively presents Gilbert & George as didactic artists who celebrate the world and who attempt to awaken each member of their audiences to his or her true individuality. This is the first title from a new publisher, and it’s a stunner.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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