‘Clear, generous and insightful, this book positions Perry astutely in both historical and contemporary contexts. … In unravelling the mystique behind Perry, Klein shows why this unlikely artist is, in fact, most likely a national treasure’ – Financial Times

‘A gorgeously splashy volume, spliced with sharp, sober commentary, and invaluable words from Perry himself’ – The World of Interiors

‘Lavish … Jacky Klein leads us into the warped world of this crossdressing potter with a keen intellect and a sharp social insight’ – The Times

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Grayson Perry, renowned for his ceramic vases decorated with shocking and unconventional imagery, is one of a generation of contemporary British artists to have emerged on the international stage since the early 1990s.

He shot to fame in 2003 when he won the prestigious Turner Prize, collecting the award wearing a lilac babydoll dress and red pumps. His hard-hitting yet exquisite work, which includes prints, embroidery, sculpture and drawing as well as pots, references his own upbringing and his life as a transvestite while also engaging with broader issues, from war and religion to politics and sex.

In this first major monograph on the artist, writer and art historian Jacky Klein explores Perry’s work through a discussion of his major themes and subjects. Her text is complemented by a series of intimate, insightful commentaries on individual pieces by the artist himself, giving unique access to his imaginative world and creative processes.

Over 150 of Perry’s works are illustrated, as well as a rich selection of the visual material that has inspired him, from Afghan war rugs, medieval altarpieces and satirical prints to the paintings of Pieter Bruegel, Anselm Kiefer and the American Outsider artist Henry Darger. With an up-to-date biography, bibliography and exhibition history, this definitive book explores fully the achievements of Perry’s twenty-five-year career.

Jacky Klein is an art historian and writer specializing in twentieth-century and contemporary art. Formerly a curator at London’s Hayward Gallery, she now works in publishing.

Also of interest
Contemporary Ceramics
20th Century Ceramics
Transgressions: The Offences of Art
Erotik im Fernen Osten oder: Transition from cool to warm –
    A book by Anselm Kiefer
Sensation: Young British Artists from the Saatchi Collection