Gilbert and George: 21st Century Pictures
by Joshua White
Hayward Gallery
Guided Exhibition Tour
8th January 2026
“We are two people, but one artist.” Gilbert & George are known for their collaborative practice, treating their own lives and identities as artistic material. From the outset they have sought to reach audiences beyond the traditional art world, embracing the motto “Art for All”. Emerging in the late 1960s, they became famous for their “living sculptures” and later for their large-scale, brightly coloured, photo-based artworks. This exhibition reflects on their artistic journey over the last 25 years, since the turn of the millennium. Each piece tackles societal norms and taboos. Wit and satire underpin their explorations of sex, religion, race, and their own mortality. They challenge viewers with vivid, unsettling visions of urban life, often described as both grotesque and poetic.
We will also briefly visit the exhibition on Taiwanese artist Val Lee (李奧森), whose work addresses isolation, intimacy and hope amid the political oppression of Taiwan’s White Terror.
Joshua White has taught at Christie’s Education for twenty years and has been the Director of a commercial art gallery. He is an art historian, writer and lecturer specialising in modern and contemporary art.
Please meet at 10:20am for a 10:30am start inside the foyer of the Hayward. We will finish around 12:30pm with a break for coffee. Please do join us afterwards for lunch at a restaurant nearby.
Order of Events
10:20 Meet in the foyer of the Hayward Gallery
10.30 Joshua White will guide us around the Hayward gallery, teaching in front of the artworks with a break for coffee
12.30 Lunch nearby
COSTS
Coffee Complimentary
Gallery Walk £55 (includes booking fee)
add Lunch (2 courses, wine and coffee) £52.00 (includes booking fee)
Exhibition entrance ticket extra – see below
Tickets limited to 10 people only
Please note, if you add ‘Exhibition ticket’ to your order, we will book and purchase your exhibition ticket for you.
However, if you have a discount card or membership card, you can choose not to add your exhibition ticket to your order and buy your own exhibition ticket. You can do so on the Hayward Gallery website.
If you would like further information please email me on [email protected] or call 01379 871800.
