Gilbert & George | Dark Shadows

Gilbert & George

Dark Shadow

London, UK: Art for All & Nigel Greenwood Inc., 1976  

[unpaginated], 19.5 x 13 cm., hardcover

Edition of 2000 signed and numbered copies

One of the most celebrated and sought-after artists' books of the 1970's, Dark Shadow contains eight short stories: "Gordons Gin", "Dark Shadow", "Broken Hearts", "Bloody Life", "Balls Bar", "Bad Thoughts", "Inca Pisco", and "Human Bondage." These stories - irreverent, fantastical and funny - are illustrated with black-and-white images of the artists.

Despite the high edition size, each copy of the book is signed and numbered by Gilbert & George. Additionally, each copy is unique. The book is bound in hand-marbled cloth individually created by the artists in their studio, adorned with gold blocked title. 

The pair view Dark Shadow as a "living sculpture book", and the "result of our past three years of earnest daily thoughts, shadows, deeds, cares and pleasures." 

The book is co-published by the artists and gallerist Nigel Greenwood (1941 - 2004), an early promoter of conceptual art and proponent of artists' books, who worked with a number of artists central to both, including Bernd and Hilla Becher, Marcel Broodthaers, Dieter Roth, Richard Hamilton, Barry Le Va, Bruce Nauman, Richard Tuttle and Ed Ruscha. In addition to Dark Shadow, he also published Gilbert & George Side By Side and their Reclining Drunk ashtray. The pair first performed their infamous Singing Sculpture at Greenwood's gallery in 1970, when they were still students.

Dark Shadow is available from Specific Object for $575.00 US, here. 

The title is being reprinted at the end of April. Pre-order a copy here, for $190.00.