Democracy has Bad Taste
The artist Grayson Perry analyses the complex process of judging whether contemporary works of art are good or bad quality.
In the first of four lectures, recorded in front of an audience at Tate Modern in London in 2013, the artist Grayson Perry reflects on the idea of quality and examines who and what defines what we see and value as art. He argues that there is no empirical way to judge quality in art. Instead the validation of quality rests in the hands of a tightknit group of people at the heart of the art world including curators, dealers, collectors and critics who decide in the end what ends up in galleries and museums. Often the last to have a say are the public.
Perry examines the words and language that have developed around art critique, including what he sees as the growing tendency to over-intellectualise the response to art. He analyses the art market and quotes – with some irony – an insider who says that certain colours sell better than others. He queries whether familiarity makes us like certain artworks more, and encourages the public to learn to appreciate different forms of art through exploration and open-mindedness.
Perry was awarded the Turner Prize in 2003, and is known for his ceramic works, printmaking, drawing, sculpture and tapestry as well as for his cross-dressing and alter-ego, Claire.
The lecture series is presented and chaired by Sue Lawley.
Producer: Jim Frank
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Catch up on the first lecture, hosted by Will Gompertz
Read Grayson Perry's first lecture, titled 'Democracy Has Bad Taste'
At the first lecture, Grayson Perry revealed an unusual influence who hails from Ambridge.
Clips
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Democracy Has Bad Taste - Video Highlights
Duration: 07:29
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"What are the boundaries of contemporary art?"
Duration: 00:48
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"The ideal formula for art in the 21st century"
Duration: 01:45
Broadcasts
- Tue 15 Oct 2013 09:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Sat 19 Oct 2013 22:15Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Sat 28 Mar 2020 19:15Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
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The Reith Lectures
Significant international thinkers deliver the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's flagship annual lecture series