Grayson Perry: The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever!

 8 June - 10 September 2017

 

The Serpentine has invited British artist Grayson Perry, one of the most astute commentators on contemporary society and culture, to present a major exhibition of new works. The works in the show will touch on many themes including popularity and art, masculinity and the current cultural landscape.

 

Perry's abiding interest in his audience informs his choice of universally human subjects. Working in a variety of traditional media such as ceramics, cast iron, bronze, printmaking and tapestry, Perry is best known for his ability to combine delicately crafted objects with scenes of contemporary life. His subject matter is drawn from his own childhood and life as a transvestite, as well as wider social issues from class and politics to sex and religion.

 

Taking place during the Serpentine's highly popular summer season, when the parks enjoy huge additional local and international audiences, Perry's exhibition will tackle one of his central concerns: how contemporary art can best address a diverse cross section of society, confronting subjects that are universally human. Perry said, "I am in the communication business and I want to communicate to as wide an audience as possible. Nothing pleases me more than meeting someone at one of my exhibitions from what museum people call 'a non-traditional background.' The new works I am making for this show all have ideas about popularity hovering around them: What kind of art do people like? What subjects? Why do people like going to art galleries these days? What is the relationship of traditional art to social media?"