Grayson’s Art Club: The Exhibition

by Manchester Art Gallery

During lockdown, Grayson Perry, one of Britain's foremost artists, brought the nation together through art, helping them to unleash their creativity as part of his Channel 4 TV series. Every week he hosted the show from his own studio - taking the country with him as he created his own new art works. Grayson and his wife Philippa talked to other famous artists and creatives about how they were spending their time in isolation and invited them to make their own works in response to this unprecedented crisis. Each week a different theme portraits, animals, fantasy, view from my window, home, Britain was explored. A key element of the series was Grayson asking members of the public to send him their own artworks which they had been making at home, talking to them via video calls and choosing his favourite artworks. He received nearly 10,000 entries, an overwhelming response to his call out. The variety of entries using canvas, paper, photography, sculpture and mixed media showed the imagination, skill and creativity of the nation. These works, alongside those of Grayson Perry, Philippa Perry and the invited artists and celebrities, are collected here to catalogue the exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery. From its inception Art Club was about the benefits of making art that are open to all. In the true spirit of the series we will be exhibiting the works grouped not by hierarchy of fame or value but grouped in themes. Each artwork will hang amongst others that talk of the shared experiences we have lived through during this extraordinary time of the Covid crisis. This show is a crystallisation of the feelings and obsessions of artists from all over the country whether it is their first painting since primary school or they are world famous. This will be a show about the joy and solace of making art. It will also be a still moment to reflect on a situation that has affected everyone on the planet. Grayson Perry

Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Shatterlings]

It’s a piece of social history about people stuck in their homes trying to stop themselves going mad. I liked the art done by people who obviously aren’t artists the best. It’s worth seeing the exhibition if you get the chance,

[Janette]

After thoroughly enjoying every minute of watching Art Club on television, I was so excited to visit the exhibition in Manchester. This book is a beautiful reminder of both as well as an uplifting, encouraging piece of history. Every home should have a copy, it brings hope and inspiration 😊

[Lindsay]

uplifting and joyful

[Victoria Rebekah]

An inspiring book. Great, quick paced read.
I recommend to art students!

[Paul Lehane]

Got an hour to spare..if so read this beautiful uplifting book

[Angel]

It's an interesting collection. I think it's more impressive as a piece of history than as a gallery book, but I enjoyed it all the same.

[chris tervit]

Loved this gift from my big sis, who’s been lucky enough to see this exhibition in person. It was a fun reminder of a great TV series which helped me & many others get through lockdown. He remains one of my favourite living artists, and his wife Philippa- love her agony aunt column in the Sunday Observer. Thank you, Niki x