A Wilderness Captured: Gilbert & George’s ‘In the Bush’

Gilbert & George's 'In the Bush,' created in 1972, isn’t merely a video; it’s an immersive encounter with a specific moment of observation and a profound meditation on the relationship between humanity and the natural world. This seminal work from the duo’s early career—a time when they were rapidly redefining the boundaries of art – captures a seemingly simple scene in Kew Gardens, London: two figures, Gilbert and George themselves, standing beneath a venerable tree, bathed in the diffused light of an English summer. Yet, within this apparent stillness lies a complex layering of ideas, challenging viewers to reconsider their own perceptions of landscape, representation, and the very act of looking.

The piece’s technical execution is deceptively straightforward. Shot on 16mm film, ‘In the Bush’ presents a black-and-white video of the sculptors amidst the foliage. The camera remains largely static, focusing intently on the figures as they observe their surroundings. A subtle soundscape—a recording of birdsong from the BBC – subtly enhances the atmosphere, grounding the scene in its natural context while simultaneously elevating it to an almost ritualistic quality. This deliberate restraint, a hallmark of Gilbert & George’s approach, forces the viewer to engage actively with the image, prompting questions about the nature of observation and the role of the artist.

The Sculptors' Landscape: From Urban Grit to Wild Spaces

Prior to ‘In the Bush,’ Gilbert & George were primarily known for their “Bearded Pictures”—large-scale, brightly colored paintings depicting portraits of themselves with exaggerated facial hair. These works established them as provocative figures challenging conventional notions of beauty and artistic representation. However, around 1971, a shift began within their practice. Responding to the increasingly dense urban environment of London, they turned their attention to man-made landscapes – parks, canals, and other carefully constructed spaces. ‘In the Bush’ represents a crucial step in this evolution, moving away from the artificiality of the city and towards a more primal connection with nature.

The choice of location within Kew Gardens is particularly significant. The tree itself—a “slightly foreign” specimen with its “jungley” appearance – embodies this desire for something ‘other’ than the familiar. Its branches reaching down to the ground, creating an almost enclosed space beneath it, mirrors the feeling of being enveloped by nature. Furthermore, the view from the base of the tree encompasses Syon House, a grand estate across the river Thames, and its iconic stone lion—a juxtaposition of natural and constructed elements that underscores the core theme of the work.

Symbolism and the Act of Seeing

‘In the Bush’ is rich in symbolic meaning. The two figures, Gilbert and George themselves, are not simply documenting a scene; they are actively engaged in it. Their stillness, their quiet observation, suggests a deliberate attempt to slow down and truly *see*. The walking stick carried by George and the glass held by Gilbert—seemingly mundane objects—become imbued with significance, representing the tools of perception and the act of recording experience. The video tape itself functions as a surrogate for memory, preserving this fleeting moment in time.

Moreover, the black-and-white format contributes to the work’s symbolic weight. By stripping away color, Gilbert & George focus on form, texture, and light—elements that are essential to their understanding of landscape. The monochrome palette evokes a sense of timelessness, suggesting that this scene transcends its specific location and time period, becoming a universal meditation on the human relationship with nature.

A Legacy of Challenging Perception

‘In the Bush’ remains a pivotal work in the history of contemporary art. It exemplifies Gilbert & George's innovative approach to sculpture—blurring the boundaries between painting, photography, and video—and their willingness to challenge conventional notions of artistic representation. The piece’s enduring appeal lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its profound exploration of themes that continue to resonate today: our relationship with nature, the act of seeing, and the role of art in shaping our understanding of the world.