robilliard – FTN-blog

Born in Guernsey (GB), passed away in London (GB).

David Robilliard skillfully traversed the line between art and comedy. The self-taught, Guernsey-born artist relocated to London in the late 1970s and forged his own brand of visual poetry, intertwining clever phrases, stylized figures, poignant contemplations on sexuality, companionship, and the urban experience onto blank canvases.

Robilliard was a prominent figure during a pivotal time in both London’s art culture and the emergence of the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Gilbert & George praised their protege and assistant as “the new master of the Modern individual. Observing, pondering, sensing, perceiving, sarcastically commenting – he brilliantly captures the “Existers” ethos of our era.” However, he never took himself too seriously.

David Robilliard contracted AIDS, ultimately leading to his passing at the young age of 36.

www.ftn-books.com has the most important publications now available.

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I first encountered the works by David Robilliard at the exhibition which was held at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam in 1993. I learned that he was diagnosed HIV positive and died from aids in 1988. Before that time he was one of the models of Gilbert & George and found for them others who were willing to pose for them.

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During his life he was not that succes full, but after his death his drawings and paintings were finding their way into museums, art dealers and collectors. Resulting in the 1993 exhibition curated by Rudi Fuchs who is a long time friend of Gilbert & George. They must have persuaded him to organize a Robilliard exhibition because on the invitation for the Anthony d’Offay presentation they described Robilliard as “the new master of the modern person. Looking, thinking, feeling, seeing, bitching – he brilliantly encapsulates the ‘Existers’ spirit of our time. This must have been for Fuchs the trigger to organize the exhibition in the Stedelijk Museum in 1993 and publish the book A ROOMFUL OF HUNGRY LOOKS.

Robilliard is strongly related to the 80’s and together with his partner Andrew Heard, they are two of those eighties artists who deserve to be remembered and must not fall into oblivion.( both books are available at www.ftn-books.com