GRAYSON PERRY PLAYING TO THE GALLERY: HELPING CONTEMPORARY ART IN ITS STRUGGLE TO BE UNDERSTOOD /ANG - Softcover

PERRY CRAYSON

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0141979615 ISBN 13: 9780141979618

Publisher: PENGUIN UK, 2016

Synopsis

Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry gives the 2013 Reith Lectures, presented by Sue Lawley.

Marcel Duchamp famously declared that a urinal was a work of art. It sometimes seems that anything qualifies, from a pile of sweets on a gallery floor to an Oscar-winning actress asleep in a box. So how does the ordinary art lover decide?

In four lectures recorded in front of audiences in London, Liverpool, and Londonderry, self-proclaimed ''transvestite potter'' Grayson Perry discusses what makes him an artist, and asks: What are the limits of contemporary art? He reflects on the idea of ''quality,'' and examines who and what defines what we see and value as art.

The mainstream media seems drawn to the idea of an avant-garde: work is described as ''cutting edge,'' artists are ''radical,'' ideas are ''ground-breaking,'' ''game-changing,'' or ''revolutionary.'' Yet, Perry argues, art has lost its ability to shock; we have seen it all before.

Whilst recalling his own journey, from playing with paint as a child to being an award-winning successful artist, he reflects on being an outsider. He asks why men and women have made art throughout history, and discusses its central purpose: to heal psychic wounds and make meaning.

About this title

About the Author:

Grayson Perry, CBE, is an English artist particularly known for his colorfully decorated ceramic vases. He completed a BA in fine art at Portsmouth Polytechnic in 1982, and, following a solo exhibition of his work in Amsterdam, he was awarded the Turner Prize in 2003. Perry's alter-ego, Claire, who wears colorful dresses and feminine clothing, makes regular public appearances. Among his numerous television and radio credits are the documentaries ''Why Men Wear Frocks'', ''The South Bank Show'', ''Imagine'', ''All in the Best Possible Taste with Grayson Perry'', and ''Desert Island Discs''.

Sue Lawley has worked extensively with the BBC as host and broadcaster. She currently introduces the Reith Lectures on BBC Radio 4.

Review:

''An absolute delight.'' --Guardian (London)

''The energy, attack, and emphasis of his delivery made him easy on the ear, and what he had to say about art, aspiration, and creativity struck so many chords you could have set it to music.'' --The Stage (London)

''Every laugh he raises, and there are many, comes with a message.'' --Telegraph (London)

About this edition

• Publisher: PENGUIN UK
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0141979615
• ISBN 13: 9780141979618
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288