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Bob & Roberta Smith

BritishBritish
, b. 1963
Bob and Roberta Smith is the professional name of British artist Patrick Brill, whose vibrant, text-based works combine painting, activism, and social commentary. Working across sign painting, installation, performance, and public art, his practice is rooted in a democratic belief in the power of creativity and the importance of accessible, inclusive cultural discourse.Educated at the University of Reading and later at Goldsmiths University of London, Brill developed a distinctive visual language inspired by vernacular signwriting, protest culture, and popular slogans. His brightly coloured, hand-painted works often feature bold, declarative statements—by turns humorous, provocative, and poetic—addressing themes such as politics, education, and the value of art in society.A passionate advocate for arts education, Bob and Roberta Smith has been an outspoken campaigner for creativity in schools and public life. In 2013, he was appointed as the UK’s first Artist in Residence for the Department for Education, using the platform to challenge policies and promote the role of art as a fundamental human right.He was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 2015, further cementing his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary British art. His work has been exhibited widely, including at Tate Britain, Whitechapel Gallery, and Hayward Gallery.Blending wit with conviction, Bob and Roberta Smith’s practice transforms language into a powerful visual tool—one that challenges authority, champions creativity, and invites audiences to engage critically with the world around them.