Hundreds of people turned out in the rain for the Private View of ‘Smash Hits’, the largest ever exhibition dedicated to the work of Sir Grayson Perry which opens today at the Royal Scottish Academy.
All of the Academy’s Upper Galleries are given over to a journey through Sir Grayson’s 40 year career. It is the only opportunity to see this comprehensive collection of over 80 works, many of which are being shown for the first time. It has been created in close collaboration with the artist and Victoria Miro gallery.
Grayson Perry grew up in a ‘nowhere kind of village’ in Essex. What constitutes English identity has been a constant theme in his work, explored through media from his earliest pottery to his latest television series “Grayson Perry’s Full English”.
He avoids conventionally English themes such as the pastoral and turns instead to topics as diverse as council housing, shopping centres and tax evasion. “If you were to look for my influences,” he said, “you’d probably find them on TV not in an art gallery. I’m more Morecambe and Wise than Constable.”
His artistic career began with evening classes in pottery progressing through winning the Turner Prize twenty years ago, presenting Channel 4 programmes, writing books and attracting live audiences to his tours. His most recent accolade was of course his knighthood.
The exhibition is designed as a journey leading audiences through the many themes which inform his work. Expect subversive pots, intricate prints, elaborate sculptures and huge (really huge) tapestries reflecting Sir Grayson’s wit and take on contemporary society.
“I feel honoured, excited and also daunted by the thought of seeing the largest ever exhibition of my work this summer in Edinburgh,” said Sir Grayson. “These objects contain so much for me: my hopes, ideas, lusts, laughter, pride and love. More than anything they contain my time. Forty smashing years.”
Smash Hits is full of exciting, challenging and surprising work of great artistry. A visit is highly recommended – booking is advisable as it is promises to be a very popular show.
