What artistic style(s) are these two pieces?

Question

Death Hope Life Fear, 1984, by Gilbert and George

and

Bomb, 2006, by Gilbert and George

I was thinking these are both considered Conceptual Art and that they were inspired visually by Pop Art and conceptually by Minimalism. But my textbook states that Conceptual Art officially ends in the late 1970s, before these were even made!

It also says Gilbert and George classify themselves as sculptors, but the essay I am writing is about these 2 works alone and I am not supposed to deviate from that by writing about the artists themselves. Plus, I cannot classify a photo-montage piece as a sculpture! Their early work is considered performance art and although it can be argued they performed while taking the pics for these pieces, it just doesn't sound right.

All of these styles fit under Post-Modernism but it's too broad of a term to use .

Can anyone find a clear cut answer on what styles these are? If possible, list a source. Any non-factual based opinions are welcomed too!!

Thanks!

Answer 1

I think you need to argue with your textbook. Do some further reading on Conceptual Art and you will find many views which dispute the late 70's cut-off. It's ridiculous anyway. Who determines when an art movement or style "officially" ends? Is there a board of directors or something? Does the work you're writing about fit everything you know about this form? If so, find materials to support your view. No one text is right about everything and art is ever debatable. If nothing else, perhaps you can fall back on the ever popular technique of adding "post-", in your case to Conceptual. Read some more and have the courage of your convictions. Good luck