On now at White Cube Gallery is a new exhibition displaying George & Gilbert’s terse and contentious works, under the title, BANNERS. 

Honing in on notions of conformism and beliefs in straightforward, sincere, visual representations, the exhibition’s three sets of work (containing ten pieces each) are like typographic shots to the face manifested in spray-painted slogans.

This year marks the 48th of the East London duo working together, and BANNERS, as the new exhibition is titled, is a fitting representation of the provocative, take-it-or-leave-it language they’ve constructed over time.

Sharp and with a sense of immediacy inherent to the works’ medium, it’s impossible to not become involved, prompting sentiments weak and strong: rejection, vitriol, agreement, humour. Whatever the reaction: what matters is that it incites one. Art that forces you to take part, involuntarily, is great art; especially if they’re concepts – contentious ones – pertinent to the time.

‘DECRIMINALISE SEX’, ‘BAN RELIGION’, ‘BURN THAT BOOK’, ‘FUCK THE PLANET’ are a few examples. Phrasing is purposefully ambiguous: it wants you to interpret, to discuss, debate. Go and interact – get mad or get happy. George & Gilbert don’t care how, just that you do.

BANNERS by Gilbert & George runs from 25th November 2015 to 24th January 2016 at White Cube Bermondsey, 144 – 152 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3TQ