Gilbert & George ‘INKWASHES’ 2021: A Bold Collection of Modern British Art
The Gilbert & George INKWASHES 2021 collection is a powerful series of artworks that captures the raw language of everyday life. Created in 2021, this suite of 12 Inkwashes uses rich black ink and heavy brush strokes to present short, blunt exclamations. These are the kinds of words and phrases Gilbert & George often overhear while walking through streets, sitting in restaurants, or travelling.
Known for turning ordinary life into art, Gilbert & George once again place the viewer at the centre of modern British society. The INKWASHES collection is direct, honest and sometimes uncomfortable, but always deeply human.
Context: Why Language Matters to Gilbert & George
Language has always played a key role in Gilbert & George’s art. Words are not just text; they are symbols of class, culture, emotion and identity. In INKWASHES, the artists strip language back to its rawest form. There is no colour, no distraction, just black ink on paper.
The use of inkwash is important. It feels fast, emotional and physical, as if the words had to be released immediately. This matches the spontaneous nature of overheard speech and reflects how language constantly surrounds us in public spaces.
Exploring the 12 Inkwashes
BELIEF IS SHIT
Belief as Disillusion
This work challenges the idea that belief systems always help us. The phrase is blunt and dismissive, suggesting frustration with religion, politics, or social values. Gilbert & George highlight how belief can feel empty or misleading when it no longer reflects real life. The rough ink strokes reinforce anger and disappointment.
FREE DICK
Belief in Freedom and Desire
This Inkwash explores belief in personal freedom, especially around sex and the body. The phrase feels provocative but playful, questioning why desire is still controlled or judged. It reflects Gilbert & George’s long-standing interest in sexual identity and liberation.
FUCK ’EM ALL
Belief as Rebellion
Here, belief turns into rejection. The phrase suggests turning away from authority, rules, and expectations. It expresses a belief in independence and emotional self-protection, even if that comes across as aggressive or defiant.
GOD SUCKS
Belief Under Attack
This work directly confronts religious belief. Rather than offering debate, it presents raw disbelief and anger. Gilbert & George often examine faith as a powerful force in society, and here they show how belief in God can also produce doubt, resentment, or rejection.
I’M STRAIGHT
Belief and Identity
This Inkwash focuses on belief as a declaration of identity. The phrase mirrors how labels are used in society to define people quickly. Gilbert & George invite the viewer to question why identity needs to be stated at all, and who benefits from these declarations.
KISS ME (BLACK & RED)
Belief in Connection
Using two colours, this work balances desire and intensity. The phrase suggests belief in intimacy and human closeness. Black and red together hint at love, danger, passion and vulnerability all at once.
KISS ME (BLACK)
Belief in Control
The black ink alone gives this version a more restrained and serious tone. It suggests longing held back or desire expressed carefully. Belief here feels quieter and more guarded.
KISS ME (RED)
Belief in Passion
Red ink makes this version feel urgent and emotional. The phrase becomes more physical and impulsive. It reflects belief in instinct, attraction, and emotional honesty without restraint.
NO WAY!
Belief as Refusal
This Inkwash captures disbelief and rejection. The phrase feels like an immediate response to authority, rules, or expectations. It reflects the power of saying no and believing in personal boundaries.
OH MY GOD!
Belief as Habit
This phrase is often used without religious meaning. Gilbert & George highlight how belief-based language becomes casual and automatic. The work questions whether belief still holds meaning or has become empty speech.
YAH BOO SUCKS
Belief as Mockery
This piece uses childish language to show how belief can collapse into ridicule. It reflects tribal behaviour, mockery, and crowd mentality. Gilbert & George suggest that belief systems can quickly turn into simple us-versus-them thinking.
Final Thought: Belief in Modern Life
Across the INKWASHES 2021 collection, Gilbert & George present belief not as something stable or pure, but as messy, emotional, and often contradictory. These works show how belief lives in everyday speech — shouted, joked about, rejected, or repeated without thought.