Grayson's Art Club

An interesting project - recording for posterity Britain's artistic reflections during the various lockdowns. Grayson Perry, appointing himself as somewhat of a gatekeeper or FAUCET for British contemporary art, guides us through his own creations as well as those of a select few of the public and celebrity guests.

The style is very relaxed - and the undeniable highlights are watching him, Philippa (psychotherapist, graphic novelist, should-be equally credited) and their cat Kevin mooching about in the sunshine of their shared studio. Creating art, chinwagging or "reacting" to things. It is at turns tranquil, charming and quite enlightening. The celeb guests are all also very well chosen, with surrealist titans like Vic Reeves & Harry Hill - lovely gits like Joe Lycett and Jessica Hynes and underrated evergreens like Liza Tarbuck and Johnny Vegas. Those bits alone would make it an interesting watch, hanging out with likable folk making nice art. Lovely.

Where the format falls apart for me a bit is in the "random" selection of the public (most of those chosen for interview all awkwardly have conveniently stirring-stories-for-telly which makes it all feel rather heavy handed) and the occasional musings of the bafflingly overrated denizens of "modern British art" which takes it from somewhere calming and reflective into something a little arch.

All the series so far have been followed by exhibitions and specials surrounding them. The first was cathartically cancelled at the last minute, and the depiction of the plans failing was really rather moving - the second was affecting for a different reason as I accidentally stumbled in on them filming it. Art meets reality and back again.

What a grand idea to influence and inspire the average work a day person - who, as so many others are staying home during this time of Covid-19 pandemic - to try their hand at artistic expression. Some have stated they had never tried to draw or paint before and have now discovered a new part of their abilities.

This show is uplifting and lightsome in this very overcast time!

"Perry combines various techniques as a "guerrilla tactic", using the approachable medium of pottery to provoke thought." (wikipedia) ... "..creativity is in us all - and it's good for our minds and spirits." (The Independent) ...Award winner at Koestler Trust exhibition (Art By Offenders, 2011), accomplished sculptor Grayson Perry listens to guests' deepest inspirations and the crew captures some touching real-time moments in Grayson's Art Club (Prime, BBC, 2021). Former guerilla artist slash cross dresser Perry is teamed with candid dialogue from Philippa Perry in this 60-something docu-romp as reality TV sleeper. The result, an earnest, spiritually and holistically warm vibe suitable for making your big screen also your family room mentor on all things visually creative, while keeping it all going as the entertainment babysitter for pandemic era purposes. Basically rock n roll Grandpa and Grandma are veteran, skillful visual impressionists (painters, sculptors of modern art); quirky, irreverent in the way your better grandparents should be if they were this progressive-minded and talented. The duo's sheer creative output attracts heavy local artists like Boy George and many others, at which point the brilliant competence overflows. Imagine spending an afternoon with John Cleese and his transvestite significant other who frets around the studio in this prankster emotional condition resembling the personality of Roger Waters and one gets the general idea. Notwithstanding Grayson's shrill, Dickensian satirical cackle punctuating the difficulty in finding comedic pace in utterly candid, homey reality mocku-drama, the utter beauty of artistic curiosity and this peaceful, experienced understanding of visual art and philosophy that is at hand shines however as per the talented and smart Perrys. A quality sheen of high-tech camera work, editing and direction, top notch professional production from Swan Films brings an exquisite finishing touch making this release quite palatable indeed. Like Chevy Chase, or Conan O'Brian for that matter, notoriously difficult live film comedy sketch is simple and easy when witty, intelligent talent is present. Speaking of X-mas presents, this one is a go, captain. Ten thumbs up for spiritually nutritious TV fare.