'Urethra Postcard Pictures' by Gilbert & George
Following on from an expo of the same Urethra Postcard Art at London’s White Cube (Mason’s Yard) this year, Thaddaeus Ropac present new pictures by UK art icons Gilbert & George. These consist of works of art made from postcards of London, telephone box cards, advertising cards and flyers that can be found in public places, a repertory of canonical images to create what they call ‘Art for All’. Since 1972 Gilbert & George have used postcards widely in their art; in the Urethra Postcard Pictures, they describe, as they have always done, the modern urban world, by tackling subjects close to their hearts, like nationalism, patriotism, sexuality, but also the city in which they live and work, London. Each composition, whether horizontal or vertical is subjected to the same template: a ring of 12 attached cards framing a central card. Beneath each arrangement, a dated and signed label bears the title of the picture in red capital letters. An important two volume retrospective book accompanies the exhibition: ‘The Complete Postcard Art of Gilbert & George’, about the use of postcards in their art.
Until 19 Mar. Tue-Sat, 10am-7pm.
Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, 7 rue Debelleyme, 3rd. M° Filles du Calvaire. www.ropac.net/