Gilbert & George, BAG DAY, 2020, Mixed media, 28 panels. 254 x 528 cm (100 x 207.87 in) ©Thaddaeus RopacThaddaeus Ropac Seoul presents a solo exhibition “NEW NORMAL URETHRA EXHIBITION” by the artist duo Gilbert & George, on view through May 18. Coinciding with the first anniversary of The Gilbert & George Centre in London, a solo exhibition at Thaddaeus Ropac Seoul brings together two bodies of pictures by the artists centred on human life: NEW NORMAL PICTURES (2020) and THE URETHRA POSTCARD PICTURES (2009).
Gilbert & George have felt a strong affinity with Korea since 1997 when they participated in the Gwangju Biennale. The “NEW NORMAL URETHRA EXHIBITION” presents their distinctive vision of the streets of our modern world that they have walked together since 1967. Yet the pictures on view simultaneously speak to the unifying nature of the volatility, tragedy and routine violence that play out in cities worldwide. Following their enduring mantra of ‘Art for All’, through the exhibition Gilbert & George strive to forge connections across national borders with their representation of the shared experiences of modern urban life.
Offering a rare opportunity to see pictures from different series together in a single presentation, this exhibition at Thaddaeus Ropac Seoul stands as a love letter from London, presenting the city in all its complexities and contradictions as seen through the eyes of the artists. With the “NEW NORMAL URETHRA EXHIBITION” Gilbert & George invite visitors in Seoul to share in this vision of our modern world and the experiences of urban living.
