Gilbert & George, 1973

16-21 August, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. 30 August - 2 September, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne.
'Singing Sculpture', first performed 1969,
'The Shrubberies, a charcoal on paper sculpture' 1972.

Gilbert & George's best known work was 'Singing Sculpture', first presented at St Martin's and other London art schools in 1969 as 'Our New Sculpture'. in A guide to Singing Sculpture, first published under Gilbert & George's 'Art for All' imprint in 1971, the human sculptures describe the work as "The most beautiful, moving, original, fascinating and serious art-piece you have ever seen. It consists of two sculptors, one stick, one glove and one song'. It was an instant success, bringing the sculptors invitations from all over Europe to present the work. In 1971 'Singing Sculpture' made its debut in New York, opening Ilena Sonnabend's new gallery at 420 West Broadway. Following its presentation at the State galleries in Sydney and Melbourne, 'Singing Sculpture' was retired. Gilbert & George did not wish to become famous for one work alone…
'Singing Sculpture' was both a popular and critical success, John Kaldor: "People were mesmerised. You went along thinking you'd spend five minutes and would end up spending several hours'. Donald Brook's thoughtful review in Nation Review (31 August 1973) remarked, 'The weird psychological presence of the artists in 'Singing Sculpture' is so potent that the audience stands back almost as if separated by plate glass. The 'naturalness' of George and Gilbert's characteristic poses… is patently artificial and the obliquity of their attention - never bestowed on the camera or spectator - does not even momentarily give the impression that a slice of real life is being accidentally observed. 'Singing Sculpture' is utterly delightful and memorable and instructive".