© Grayson Perry
Grayson Perry at the Serpentine Gallery The Serpentine has invited British artist Grayson Perry, one of the most astute commentators on contemporary society and culture, to present ‘The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever!’, a major exhibition of new works. 8 June – 10 September 2017.]]>
Source: Serpentine Gallery
Perry’s abiding interest in his audience informs his choice of universally human subjects. Working in a variety of traditional media such as ceramics, cast iron, bronze, printmaking and tapestry, Perry is best known for his ability to combine delicately crafted objects with scenes of contemporary life. His subject matter is drawn from his own childhood and life as a transvestite, as well as wider social issues from class and politics to sex and religion.
Taking place during the Serpentine’s highly popular summer season, when the parks enjoy huge additional local and international audiences, Perry’s exhibition will tackle one of his central concerns: how contemporary art can best address a diverse cross section of society, confronting subjects that are universally human. Perry said, “I am in the communication business and I want to communicate to as wide an audience as possible. Nothing pleases me more than meeting someone at one of my exhibitions from what museum people call ‘a non-traditional background.’ The new works I am making for this show all have ideas about popularity hovering around them: What kind of art do people like? What subjects? Why do people like going to art galleries these days? What is the relationship of traditional art to social media?”
Born in Chelmsford, Essex in 1960, Grayson Perry lives and works in London. He is well known for major exhibitions such as the acclaimed “Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman” at the British Museum (2011-2012), and “A House for Essex”, a collaboration with FAT Architecture situated in the North Essex countryside. He has also presented two BAFTA Award winning Channel 4 programmes: In the Best Possible Taste which chronicled the making of his monumental suite of tapestries The Vanity of Small Differences and Grayson Perry: Who Are You? which accompanied a solo presentation of works on the theme of portraiture and British identity at the National Portrait Gallery, London (2014-2015). Also a successful writer and lecturer, his latest book, “The Descent of Man” will be published by Penguin with an accompanying lecture tour “Typical Man in a Dress” in Bristol, London, Salford, Worthing and Sheffield.
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