Bob and Roberta Smith, AKA Patrick Brill, is a prominent British contemporary artist, activist, writer, broadcaster, musician, and advocate for art education. A Royal Academician and awarded the OBE in 2017 for his services to Art, Smith’s extensive engagement in the art elite converges seamlessly with his active involvement in political discourse. Serving as a fervent proponent of arts education, Smith’s practice extends to a diverse array of mediums, including film, radio, documentary, writing, and music. As the frontman of The Apathy Band, a collective featuring his wife, artist Jessica Voorsanger, Smith leads an innovative and experimental spoken word ensemble.
“ART IS LIKE LOVE” is a testament to the enduring connection between art and emotion. Bob and Roberta Smith’s unique artistic vision reimagines the personality of JMW Turner and delves into the fascinating world of other captivating figures. Through a curated selection of paintings and sculptures, the exhibition promises a journey through the artist’s profound exploration of creativity and love.
Featuring Bob and Roberta Smith’s new sculpture of JMW Turner, upon which is written a text that questions popular perceptions of the artist and seeks to assert a view of Turner as a radical and political figure. Turner had a vision of the arts that was far in advance of his peers. Turner painted the news. Creating images not only of wars, technological advance, and Parliament in flames. He saw art as a kind of moral and political research, promoting at the end of his life the Abolition of slavery. Bob and Roberta Smith think that Turner embarked on a journey that was not unique in Victorian England, from lack of empathy with enslaved Africans to campaigning for their freedom. For this reason, Bob thinks Tate should be renamed ‘Turner’.
| Duration | 07 February 2024 - 28 March 2024 |
| Times | Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5pm |
| Cost | Free |
| Venue | Vivienne Roberts Projects |
| Address | The Bindery, 53 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8HN, , |
| Contact | +44 (0) 7971 172 715 / info@viviennerobertsprojects.com / www.viviennerobertsprojects.com |