Welcome to Bobs Shop. Bob and Roberta Smith is an artist whose work brings together sign writing, activism and discarded materials. For Bob and Roberta Smith (who goes by the name Bob) art is ‘an important element in democratic life.’
For Winter 2022, we invited Bob to takeover our Tate Edit shop space, by the river entrance to Tate Modern.
Opening officially on Tuesday 25 October, Bob’s takeover is an invitation into his studio and a celebration of the words, materials and colours that inspire us. Let’s make art that says whatever we want.
Tate Edit is an experimental shopping space. After our inaugural Tate Edit artist takeover with Chila Kumari Singh Burman last year, Bob and Roberta Smith has kindly gifted artworks from his own collection to curate a space filled with his signature bight, typographic creations.
Inside, visitors will find a curated selection of books and art supplies, an exclusive range of alphabet prints, T-shirts, badges, fashion accessories and more. The space is designed to inspire you with ‘Bobtimistic’ slogans and paintings, and encourage you to get creative with your own words and monograms, which are available to buy and take home. There is also the opportunity to order rare, limited edition artist proofs from Bob’s archive.
Founder of the Apathy Band, Bob’s musical influence can be found throughout the shop, and in keeping with any true artist’s studio, there will also be biscuits - Bob’s own variety, developed especially for the shop. Throughout the season, there will be events, talks and workshops in store, and the chance to spot Bob around in his trademark bucket hats.
The exciting collaboration continues a long-standing relationship between Tate and Bob and Roberta Smith. He has 10 works in the Tate permanent collection, including All Schools Should Be Art Schools, on display in Tate Liverpool and his 2021 work, Thamesmead Codex is on exhibition at Tate Modern, featuring transcripts of conversations with the Thamesmead community, recorded over several months.
Discover Bob’s works in gallery, at Tate Edit shop and online until Spring 2023. Follow and share your experiences with us on social at #BobsShopxTate
ADDRESS
Tate Edit, Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
OPENING TIMES
Opens from 10am on 25 October 2022.