Exhibitions

Bob and Roberta Smith / Why did I do Art ?

Preview

17th December 6pm - 8pm

Exhibition Continues

18th December - 23rd January 2005

Launch of The International 3’s gallery sign commission and solo exhibition.

Members of the public are invited to come and make their own rubbings from the work of Bob & Roberta Smith in their first solo exhibition in Manchester.

Amongst the most significant figures in British art in the past decade or so, Bob & Roberta Smith have forged a unique position by flying in the face of fashion with their contemporary slap-stick social realism. In their work political comment collides with heartfelt laments for the plight of the artist and questions about the nature of reality. A recent press release describes Bob & Roberta Smith as ‘an artistic enterprise, sincere in their ambition to bring anarchy to people’s perception of art through a conceptual yet playful approach to art and art making.’

  • Bob and Roberta Smith, Why did I do Art ? launch night

    Photo: Martin Vincent

  • Bob and Roberta Smith, Why did I do Art ? launch

    Photo: Martin Vincent

  • Bob and Roberta Smith, Why did I do Art ? launch

    Photo: Martin Vincent

  • Bob and Roberta Smith, The International 3 gallery sign commission

    Photo: Martin Vincent

  • Bob and Roberta Smith, Why did I do Art ? launch

    Photo: Martin Vincent

The International 3 has commissioned Bob & Roberta Smith to paint a new sign for the gallery exterior. Making the most of the gallery’s prominent position close to Piccadilly Station, the sign entices visitors with the Smiths’ trademark hand-painted style.

In the gallery, the exhibition is truly interactive, encouraging visitors to make rubbings of concrete slabs bearing slogans and texts to make their own art. The rubbings can be pinned up or taken home (for a small consideration). There is also a selection of recent text paintings, with subject matter ranging from Tony Blair to the White Stripes

In an essay commissioned to accompany the show, Ross Downes writes:

“Well aware of the dilemmas involved when expressing playfully customised socialism alongside pessimistic humour, Bob & Roberta’s responsibility to the irresponsible neatly represents the untidy now, treading the self-aware post-ideological tight-rope between hypocrisy and contradiction.”

Bob & Roberta Smith have exhibited at major galleries in the UK and around the world, and their work can also be currently seen at the Baltic art gallery in Gateshead.

The International 3 is supported by Arts Council England

For further information and images contact Martin Vincent on 07946 643 757 / mv@international3.com