Repository 58: Grayson Perry on the Vitalness of Content

Image courtesy of the Art NewspaperOn the occasion of last year's exhibit Grayson Perry: the Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman at the British Museum, the Art Newspaper interviewed him on his work, themes and process. In case you are unfamiliar with this Turner prize winner, he is one of the most eloquent, thoughtful artists the mass media (British anyways) gives the podium to. There are lots of interviews with him posted on YouTube, etc so take a peek.For brevity's sake I will leave you with his most salient comment in the Art Newspaper interview. A comment that I think often whether looking at works in galleries, MFA shows and in museum shows even, but haven't the platform or chutzpah to say it as "clearly" as he has. Enjoy:Art Newspaper: "Another unusual aspect of your work is that it incorporates a lot of content, narrative scenes and often writing."Grayson Perry:

"Oh, you’ve got to have content; I think it’s cowardly to avoid content. I judged a competition the other day and among the 700 works the number of wishy-washy semi-abstract paintings I saw was incredible. It was as though they wanted to make art, but didn’t want to say anything. I hate the aimless, apparently transcendent thing in sub-Rothkos: “Oh, this is all about spirituality.” Fuck off. Why isn’t it about your mother-in-law or poverty or war?"

Exactly. While I don't think all work needs to be about the dire - I do believe even spirituality can exist in work - art needs to be done with integrity. While the content in much of his work is intense, Grayson Perry takes whimsy very seriously, and plays with great integrity. So regardless of the type of content - have it first - then do what you will.

Image of Grayson Perry in his Studio courtesy Channel 4