Bob and Roberta Smith
Bob and Roberta Smith (Patrick Brill) is a British artist, writer, musician and advocate for art education. Born in 1963 in Reading, England, he is best known for his bright, slogan-style art painted on banners and discarded boards. His witty comments on art, politics and culture often support his activist campaigns.
Brill is an associate professor at London Metropolitan University, where he leads the MFA program and co‑runs the Public Acts studio. He has curated public art projects such as Art U Need and the Peace Camp, and he created the Art Party in 2013 to make contemporary art more accessible and encourage discussion about its role in society. His work has been shown widely in Europe and the United States, and he also creates cement sculptures. One of his ideas was shortlisted for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square.
In addition to painting, Brill hosts Make Your Own Damn Music, a radio show, and co-founded The Ken Ardley Playboys. He was the subject of a documentary and has spoken at many conferences about art education and the arts.
Family and education: he is the son of painter Frederick Brill and artist Deirdre Borlase, and his sister is Roberta. He is married to fellow artist Jessica Voorsanger. He studied at the University of Reading, spent time at the British School at Rome, and earned an MA at Goldsmiths College.
Honors and roles: Brill was made an OBE in 2017 for services to the arts and has served on the Tate board as an artist member. He also contributed to WWF’s Art For Your World campaign in 2021. He stood for election in 2015 in Surrey Heath as Bob and Roberta Smith, receiving a small share of the vote.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 20:41 (CET).