Grayson Perry

Grayson Perry is a contemporary artist from Chelmsford, England. He is most famous for his tapestry work and ceramic vases. Perry’s work is largely autobiographical, with these themes often appearing through his alter-ego ‘Claire’ or his beloved childhood teddy bear ‘Alan Measles’.

Perry chronicles the woes of contemporary life through a witty and nostalgic lens. We love how he bravely tackles subjects of gender, identity and social status, dissecting these collective prejudices. Perry’s works portray a narrative that is often hidden within the beauty of his works, a desire to expose the multiple flaws within contemporary society.

After encouragement from his art teacher, Perry went on to take an art foundation course at Braintree College in 1978. He then achieved a BA in Fine Art at Portsmouth College of Art and Design. Perry has had an illustrious career with multiple solo exhibitions and accolades to his name. He was awarded the Turner Prize in 2003 and has received a CBE for his services to contemporary art. In 2015 he was appointed chancellor of University of the Arts London. Perry has also hosted a variety of shows for Channel 4, using this platform to explore prejudices surrounding masculinity, class and sexuality. Perry’s work can be found in the permanent collections of the Tate, V&A and Arts Council, and he has hosted solo exhibitions with galleries such as Victoria Miro, Serpentine Galleries and The National Portrait Gallery.

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