I have always admired the work of Grayson Perry, even if I find some of it impossible to understand. In general, I prefer traditional Fine Art but Perry's twisted manner in which he evokes such dark subject matter in such an ornate, pretty way won me over. He recently re-entered my thoughts recently when it was in the news that he had witnessed open heart surgery, before creating an Urn to raise money for the Harefield Hospital in Uxbridge.
His work, from a distance looks so beautiful. It draws in the onlookers to pay more attention to detail. But as soon as they do they are inevitably shocked, even appalled, by what he's depicted. I love this!
This Vase (left) is titled, 'We've Found the Body of Your Child'. Can you imagine a more inappropriate, dark and sinister name for a piece of Art? You find yourself admiring this tall, elegant vase covered in plated gold. Delicate trees stretch upwards, amongst the rolling snow-covered countryside. A typically beautiful winter landscape. However, the figures suddenly appear forlorn, maddened by grief. The words "cry baby" are aggressively etched into the side. The image all of a sudden becomes very haunting and it can confuse you. Why did you find such such a disturbing work of art so appealing initially? This is what Perry can achieve.
The vase (above, right) is called '37 Wanks Across Northern Spain'...I am not even going to begin to examine this one!
Its not too "in your face" like much of Modern Art these days, but it tests the boundaries in a far more skillful and effective way (in my opinion). His work is not only about the idea, but about fantastic craftsmanship too. He takes ages to create each urn, paying huge attention to not just the detail on the pot but the method in which he works the physical object. Plus, he wears a frock!
No comments:
Post a Comment