Concrete Playground

Since the 1970s Gilbert & George have been historicized and celebrated for their unique conservatism of sensible suits and haircuts, narcissistic propaganda and exhibitionist libido. Combining English sobriety, an admiration for Margaret Thatcher and the intimacy of their own relationship, they championed what has now become easy to swallow but hard to digest for the contemporary art enthusiast: there is no boundary between art and life, and therefore, the activity of the artist is subsequently art.

More than most, it seems as though the duo dedicate themselves to this cause – making habit aesthetic and turning English manners, ironically, into an entertaining spectacle. This free talk at COFA is guaranteed to please some and prod others - more information here. To mark the close of the Kaldor Public Art Projects retrospective at the AGNSW, there will also be a free Gilbert & George film program followed by the artists signing limited edition Valentine’s Day cards and partaking in a public discussion with Edmund Capon - more information here.