Speaking to the UK's Guardian newspaper at the launch last week, Andrea Rose, Director Visual Arts and the Commissioner of the British Pavilion, said that: ‘Gilbert and George are producing an entirely new body of work. If you think you've seen it all before, you will be very surprised. You will marvel at what they will do with new technology... and over 30 years Gilbert and George have been making work that is about continuity and innovation rather than novelty.‘ said Rose. Gilbert and George, who began working together in the 1960s, said: ‘We are delighted and promise to do our very worst.'

The duo, now in their 60s, remain the British art world's subversives. The Venice Biennale, to open in June, is the art world's most important get-together, with countries from across the globe exhibiting their best artists alongside major international exhibitions – adding up to a snapshot of the state of contemporary art.

Wales and Scotland will be separately represented at the Biennale, as will, for the first time, Northern Ireland, which will present a group show of 14 artists.

This year sees a record high for participants, with 73 countries exhibiting. The official 51st International Art Exhibition will be curated, for the first time in the history of the biennale, by women.

Date:

12 June - 6 November 2005

Venue:    Venice

Giardini della Biennale