Sir Grayson Perry is not only just one of Britain’s most unique artists – but also one of the most celebrated artists. Known for their bold, thought-provoking ceramics, tapestries, and prints that tackle big topics like identity, class, and gender – there is no doubt their mark on the art world. They even won the Turner Prize in 2003 and have since become a national treasure!
So if you’ve not had the honour of witnessing their work in person so far, we’ve got news for you.
To celebrate their 65th birthday in style, Sir Grayson Perry is hosting a major exhibition at the Wallace Collection in London, which opened on the day Perry turned 65.
The Wallace Collection is one of the oldest museums in London home to some of the world’s finest art collection including the likes of Titian, Velázquez, Rubens, Van Dyck and now Grayson Perry.
‘Delusions of Grandeur’ features 40 brand new and never-seen-before works by Perry. These are being exhibited alongside some of the most exciting Wallace objects.
Commenting on the very nature of making and collecting art, their work touches upon various themes such as the ‘creation of a domestic space, the gendering of decoration, and perceived perfection versus authenticity.’
The very inspiration Perry honed as a young artist came from the dichotomy at the Wallace Collection – it’s contrasting depictions of extreme femininity from the 18th century French Rococo along with overt masculinity of arms and armour is said to be one of the things that caught their attention.
Additionally, Perry’s childhood love of François Boucher’s Portrait of Madame de Pompadour (1759) – which is part of the collection of the Wallace – has been said to have inspired a lot of Perry’s work.
‘Delusions of Grandeur’ is set to be one of the largest contemporary art exhibitions ever held at the Wallace Collection.
You can find more information here.
