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Grayson Perry CBE RA b. 1960
Perry is a contemporary British artist. In 1982
he graduated from Portsmouth Polytechnic with
a BA in Fine Art, while taking a pottery course
in the evenings. In 2003 Grayson Perry was the
first ceramicist to win the Turner Prize. His works
are held in many private, national and international
collections amongst others MoMa New York,
Victoria and Albert Museum and Tate Gallery.
Grayson Perry has gained acclaim for his
ceramic vessels and printed tapestries. His work
explores diverse historical and contemporary
themes. The viewer is drawn in by the beauty of
his objects, their vibrant colours or sumptuous
glazes and, at close range, a challenging narrative
hints to environmental disaster and child abuse.
Autobiographical references to the artist's
childhood, family, and transvestite alter ego Claire
are intertwined with his political and allegorical
references, creating a challenging conflict between
his dark themes and the rich beauty of his works.
The artist has described this tapestry:
"Death of a Working Hero was inspired by the
ceremony of the blessing of the banners in Durham
Cathedral. This moving ritual is part of the annual
Durham Miners' Gala where Trade Union banners
are paraded through the streets accompanied by
brass bands. The blessing in the glorious setting of the
cathedral accompanied by mournful music seemed to
me to be a funeral for a certain sort of man."
Death of a Working Hero, 2016
Tapestry
251 x 200 cm
Edition of 6
Courtesy of the artist, Paragon Press and Osborne Samuel Gallery
www.osbornesamuel.com
This work was inspired by his TV 'All Man' series where he explored contemporary
masculinity under the headings of Hard Man, Top Man, and Rational Man.
How should we give especial respect to those whose work endangers their lives?
