Grayson Perry
British artist known for ceramics, tapestries and prints exploring identity, class, taste and contemporary culture.
Sir Grayson Perry CBE RA is a British contemporary artist known for ceramics, tapestries, prints, sculpture and drawing. His highly detailed works combine decorative craftsmanship with stories and observations drawn from modern life.
Perry was born in Essex in 1960 and studied fine art at Portsmouth Polytechnic. He first became known for his ceramic vessels, using the familiar form of the decorative pot to explore subjects including identity, class, gender, taste, religion, politics and consumer culture.
His works often bring together historical references, traditional craft techniques, popular imagery and personal experience. Bright colour and richly layered decoration can initially appear playful, but the images and texts frequently address difficult or contradictory aspects of society.
Perry was awarded the Turner Prize in 2003 for work praised for its use of ceramics and drawing and its engagement with personal and social concerns. He later became a Royal Academician and was knighted for services to the arts.
Alongside his studio practice, Perry is a writer and broadcaster whose television programmes, lectures and books examine art, identity, masculinity, social class and British culture. His work is held in major public collections, including Tate and the British Museum.
