Living Legends of Contemporary Art, First Major Solo Exhibition in Japan in 30 Years, 'Gilbert & George Exhibition,' Announced

The first major solo exhibition in Japan in 30 years by Gilbert & George, the British contemporary art duo, titled 'Gilbert & George Exhibition,' has been confirmed to be held at the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art (Kyoto, Okazaki) from May 26 (Wed) to August 29 (Sun), 2027, and at The National Art Center, Tokyo (Tokyo, Roppongi) from September 17 (Fri) to December 20 (Mon) of the same year.

This exhibition, held with the full cooperation of galleries Thaddaeus Ropac and White Cube, who have introduced Gilbert & George's work internationally for many years, will showcase the artistic world of the duo who have pursued 'Art for All' for over half a century, depicting various aspects of society with vivid imagery. Works from the major exhibition 'Gilbert & George: 21st Century Pictures,' held at the Hayward Gallery in London from autumn 2025 to early 2026, will also be brought to Japan, with a breathtaking lineup including monumental photographic works arriving in Kyoto and Tokyo.

This exhibition is planned to present the full scope of Gilbert & George's diverse activities and expressions as they approach their 60th anniversary since commencing their artistic practice. The duo has consistently engaged deeply with the times through their unique humor, sincere approach, and at times, provocative expressions that pierce the essence of society. This exhibition will broadly cover their works from the valuable early stages of their careers to recent masterpieces, delving into their unique artistic world. For Japanese fans, it is an unmissable event, with plans to exhibit works being shown in Japan for the first time, as well as precious photographs and videos from when the two visited Japan together in the 1970s.

Experience the true essence of their expression, as they have continued to lead the forefront of the art world for over half a century, alongside a series of vivid, monumental works that will shake your vision. We welcome you with an overwhelming scale befitting this commemorative milestone.

Further details regarding this exhibition will be announced sequentially on the official exhibition website.

Exhibition Overview

This exhibition introduces the activities of Gilbert & George, who pursue 'Art for All' based in London, UK. From the video of their masterpiece 'Singing Sculpture' (1969), where they called themselves 'living sculptures,' covered themselves in multi-colored metallic pigment, and sang and danced to popular music hall songs on a table, to their recent monumental photo series 'Pictures' themed around religion, sexuality, and urban life, the exhibition will showcase their entire body of work at once.

Additionally, precious photographs and videos documenting their activities during their visit to Japan in the 1970s are scheduled to be exhibited. This is a long-awaited major solo exhibition in Japan, the first in 30 years, and it will delve into the full scope of their unique, sincere, yet provocative art as they approach the commemorative milestone of 2027, marking 60 years since they met in 1967.

About Gilbert & George

Gilbert & George is an artist duo consisting of Gilbert (1943–), born in Italy, and George (1942–), born in the UK. Under the motto 'Art is for all,' they have continued their unique activities for over 50 years, merging art and life. They live in London's East End, adhering to a strict daily routine, and always wear matching suits in public. They are masters of contemporary art who won the Turner Prize (awarded by the Tate, UK, to outstanding artists) in 1986 and represented the UK at the Venice Biennale in 2005. In recent years, their works have been exhibited in Japan at Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo (2021–22) and 'Tate Modern: YBA & BEYOND – British Art from the 90s That Changed the World' (2026, The National Art Center, Tokyo / Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art).

Photo: Tom Oldham *Please be sure to include the credit when using the photo. Left: Gilbert Right: George

Exhibition Details

Exhibition Title:

Gilbert & George Exhibition

GILBERT & GEORGE: ART EXHIBITION

【Kyoto Exhibition】

Dates: May 26 (Wed) – August 29 (Sun), 2027

Venue: Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, New Building Higashiyama Cube (124 Okazaki Enshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City)

Organizers: Sony Music Entertainment, Kansai Telecasting Corporation, The Kyoto Shimbun, Pia Corporation, City of Kyoto

Cooperation: Thaddaeus Ropac, White Cube

Support: British Council

【Tokyo Exhibition】

Dates: September 17 (Fri) – December 20 (Mon), 2027

Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo, Exhibition Gallery 2E (7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

Organizers: The National Art Center, Tokyo, Sony Music Entertainment

Cooperation: Thaddaeus Ropac, White Cube

Support: British Council

Official Exhibition Website: https://www.gilbertandgeorge.jp