London is simply full of outstanding and exciting exhibitions at the moment. From the first-of-its-kind Marie Antoinette exhibition to the upcoming Agathe Christie exhibition and the ending-soon Cartier exhibition, London’s galleries and museums have something for everyone to check out. And now the Southbank Centre’s Hayward Gallery is adding to the list with an impressive new show that’s sure to excite art fans and casual visitors alike. They’re celebrating the career of London-based artists Gilbert & George with a brand-new exhibition, ‘21ST CENTURY PICTURES‘.
The new show features over 60 floor-to-ceiling installations. The exhibition explores how their art has evolved over their career and the role that technology has played in enhancing the way their art reflects society at large. Reflecting their love of the 21st century (“IT IS OUR BEST CENTURY SO FAR!”), the show takes visitors on a journey through the modern day, through the eyes of Gilbert & George.
The two artists have become well-known for their expansive pieces, which “blend images and text from everyday life to create vivid pictures that encourage dialogue about today’s social norms and taboos”. The striking pieces are bright and confronting, demanding the viewer’s attention. And while they deal with topics such as sex, religion, corruption, class, and death, they never present a simple message on the complicated subjects.
Gilbert & George: ‘21ST CENTURY PICTURES‘
The new exhibition showcases pictures made since 2000, including works from the NEW HORNY PICTURES (2001), THE LONDON PICTURES (2011), THE CORPSING PICTURES (2022), and more. Viewers can see how Gilbert & George’s art has grown in scale and complexity. The show also features the debut of two new works from their THE SCREW PICTURES series, where the artists confront their own mortality.
Said Mark Ball, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre:
“The Southbank Centre is proud to welcome back the legendary cultural provocateurs Gilbert & George, 28 years after their last Hayward Gallery show. As a great disruptive force in Britain’s art industry, their work helps us look at the world around us afresh and reconsider the familiar – this time modern London – through their unique perspective. No art historical knowledge is needed and everyone is welcome – just bring yourself, be yourself, and think for yourself.”
Gilbert & George: ’21ST CENTURY PICTURES’ will run at the Hayward Gallery from October 7, 2025 – January 11, 2026.
Grab tickets for the exhibition and find out more about the Hayward Gallery and the Southbank Centre here.
