Conceptual Artists Tackle London Suicide Bombings

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A major exhibition dedicated to the work of British artists Gilbert and George—famed for their treatments of nudity, excrement and swearing—was unveiled at London's Tate Modern gallery Feb.13.

But the pair has created a new series of works for the show which tackles a more serious topic—the July 7, 2005 suicide bombings on London's transport system, which killed 52 people, plus the four bombers.

The titles of Bomb, Bombs, Bomber, Bombers, Bombing and Terror appear on tombstones.

"‘Six Bomb Pictures’ are the most chilling pictures we have created to date," the pair said in a statement. "We believe that, as artists, we were able to bring something special in thoughts and feelings to this subject, something the media, religious leaders and politicians find difficult to do."

The show is the first major retrospective in 25 years of work by the pair, known for producing colorful photomontages which often feature themselves. It will see more than 200 of their pictures from the last 35 years on display across the vast fourth floor of the former power station.

George Passmore, 65, and Gilbert Proesch, 63, designed the exhibition, which is expected to tour Europe and America after its London showing.

It opens to the public Feb. 15 and runs to May 7.

Copyright 2007 Agence France-Presse