Movie spotlight
Gilbert and George The Singing Sculpture
"Gilbert & George first presented the ‘Singing Sculpture’ in 1969, then repeated it over the next years in the UK, Europe and Australia, as well as New York for the opening of the Sonnabend Gallery in 1971. Standing on a table and with their faces and hands covered in metallic paint, Gilbert and George sing along to a recording of Flanagan and Allen’s old-time music-hall hit ‘Underneath the Arches’, all the while moving mechanically. An anthem to down-and-outs, the song became a mantra for the artists. Always happy to elaborate, they have said, ‘We think of ourselves as two funny tramps, rather than artists according to the popular idea.’
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary chronicles the groundbreaking performance art piece 'The Singing Sculpture' by the renowned artistic duo Gilbert & George. It delves into their unique artistic vision and the creation of this iconic work where they presented themselves as living sculptures. The film captures the essence of their performance, exploring its themes and impact on the art world.
Critical Reception
As a documentary focused on a specific art performance, 'The Singing Sculpture' was primarily reviewed within art critique circles. It is generally recognized for its insightful portrayal of Gilbert & George's conceptual art and their dedication to their craft. The film is considered a valuable record of a significant moment in performance art history.
What Reviewers Say
Offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Gilbert & George.
Effectively captures the conceptual rigor of their performance art.
A key document for understanding their artistic evolution.
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Fun Fact
Gilbert & George themselves performed as the 'living sculptures' in their iconic work, remaining perfectly still and singing the same phrase repeatedly for hours, becoming one with their artwork.
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