‘The World of Gazza!!’ is an intense exploration of the life and times of Paul Gascoigne, one of England’s most legendary footballing icons.

The exhibition takes inspiration from Jeremy Deller’s 1990s series of posters for imaginary art exhibitions on subjects ranging from David Bowie to the poetry of Shaun Ryder. Among the works was ‘The World of Gazza!!’, a fake show about the mercurial footballer. When OOF discovered the poster, we approached Jeremy and asked if we could make the show a reality. This is the result: a combination of art, memorabilia, ephemera and archive material, creating a visceral portrait of a complex man. 

This is an attempt to treat Paul Gascoigne not just as a footballer but as an important cultural figure; one whose story has affected millions and filled more column inches than pretty much any other English footballer. It's a tale of glory and pain, triumph and sadness, terrible decisions and repeated falls from grace.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

A STORE LIKE 94 | LYDIA BLAKELEY | ROBIN BROADLEY | JEREMY DELLER | EMMELY ELGERSMA | DOUGLAS GORDON | WINNIE HALL |  ANDREW PIERRE HART | BEATRICE LETTICE BOYLE | ROSIE MCGINN | TRACKIE MCLEOD | ROBERT MCNALLY | GLEN PUDVINE  CORBIN SHAW | MARCUS WOOD

21 APRIL TO 17 SEPTEMBER 2023

PRESS The Guardian