Existers 1984

Curator: Gilbert and George's large-scale photographic work, "Existers," presents a grid of figures in vibrant hues. The piece resides here at the Tate Collections. Editor: It's arresting, isn't it? The composition almost feels like stained glass, but the palette is so contemporary, so bold. Curator: They’re known for pushing boundaries. This was created in 1984, during a period of political unrest and social change in Britain; their art often reflected the anxieties of the time. Editor: The arrangement feels significant. It's as though they've captured a diverse group, maybe a crowd. The title suggests an investigation into the core of existence. Curator: Exactly, and it’s interesting how the individual identities are blurred by the grid structure and the intense colors. It forces us to consider the collective experience. Editor: I find myself questioning how color saturates this work. It's intense, but controlled. It directs where my gaze moves. Curator: The artists explore themes of identity, sexuality, and urban life, using themselves as central figures to comment on the state of society. The work allows them a way of mirroring that life. Editor: It seems they want the viewer to feel almost confronted by it. It has an undeniable power that remains potent.