 The beautiful poetry of Bob and Roberta Smith The beautiful poetry of Bob and Roberta Smith is a matter of opinion! Are you an optimist or a pessimist? The vernacular decides. In this, Bob and Roberta's first solo show at Hales Gallery, they stir up gender politics. Roberta has configured a large installation called "Big Nest" using old skirting boards, stairs and cupboards, which have been adulterated with the Smiths' signature sloganeering using phrases collected during the recent bombings in London. Whilst Roberta is building, Bob continues male pursuits, such as television watching and mess making. There is tension in the nest; it is both a haven and a battleground. Roberta declares "religion was devised by men to say to women you will never have power"; Bob holds forth on world poverty. Is this a cosy place to hang out or a menacing heap of discarded wood... ? Alongside "Big Nest", there will be an array of slogans painted onto panels. Each panel is assembled into larger works, where positive and negative statements battle it out for supremacy. The works themselves are used as a device to weigh the world and test the zeitgeist. The assemblages "110% Pessimism", (2005) and "75% Optimism", (2005) merge everyday speak with modern politics and an absurd list of overheard truism to tip the balance in one or other direction. Visitors to "The beautiful poetry of Bob and Roberta Smith" are invited to burden themselves with overcoats with concrete-filled pockets and hats with concrete brims in order to obtain sufficient gravitas to be able to play Bob's deadmen's record collection, acquired when he had a job clearing care homes of the deceased's possessions. Bob and Roberta Smith's work is currently included in "Situation Comedy" (a group show that tours the US and includes works by Richard Prince, Dave Muller and Michael Smith amongst others). They have also had a recent solo show at BALTIC, centre for contemporary art, Gateshead and a forthcoming show "Hearing voices, seeing things" at the Serpentine Gallery, London. Exhibition: 25 November 2005 - 4 February 2006 Gallery hours: Thu-Sat 12 - 6 pm, and by appointment Hales Gallery Tea Building 7 Bethnal Green Road GB-London E1 6LA Telephone +44 20 7033 1938 Fax +44 20 7033 1939 Email info@halesgallery.com www.halesgallery.com |
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