Michael Kenny Preparatory Sketch from the Serpentine Show

Grayson Perry’s *Scale* at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is a striking exploration of the intersection between art, society, and the aspirations of emerging artists. Perry, known for his provocative and thought-provoking works, utilizes the concept of a silk scarf as both a functional item and a metaphorical guide. This scarf serves not only as a visual piece but also as a social and cultural map, designed to assist aspiring artists in navigating the challenging landscape of the art world. The work reflects Perry’s unique ability to blend personal narrative with broader cultural commentary, encouraging dialogue about the challenges and triumphs faced by those striving for recognition in the arts. The text accompanying the silk scarf reveals its historical significance, referencing World War II when pilots were provided with silk maps for escape in enemy territory. Perry draws a parallel between this notion of survival and the struggles faced by contemporary artists. He emphasizes that the art world can often feel like a hostile environment, filled with obstacles that must be overcome. The scarf represents a navigational tool for these artists, offering guidance through a landscape populated by influential figures and established norms. By presenting the journeys of both renowned artists and the paths aspiring creators might take, Perry crafts a narrative that resonates deeply with anyone familiar with the pressures of artistic validation. Perry’s choice of silk as the medium further enhances the piece’s thematic richness. Silk, with its connotations of luxury and fragility, reflects the delicate balance that artists must maintain between their personal vision and the expectations of the establishment. The inclusion of notable artists who have paved the way for others along the route serves to inspire and motivate aspiring creators. By using this metaphorical scarf, Perry invites viewers to consider the complexities of artistic identity and the ongoing quest for acceptance, making *Scale* a powerful commentary on the nature of success and the shared experiences within the artistic community. The artwork details a fictional artist’s journey from birth to success, naming the artists, experiences and influences they encounter along the way. The text of this journey reads: Start here, Walt Disney, Play, Vincent Van Gogh, Rolf Harris, John Constable, Anish Kapoor, Louise Bourgeois, Inspirational Teacher, Rachel Whiteread, Picasso, Rene Magritte, Edward Hopper, Teenage Pupation, David Hockney, Jackson Pollock, Art School, Trainee Bohemians, Marcel Duchamp, Banksy, Beryl Cook, Jack Vettriano, Sex, Drugs & Rock & Roll, Francis Bacon, Bridget Riley, Gilbert & George, Art Dealer, Hirst, Money Celebrity Fashion Drugs, Networking, Carl Andre, Choices, Takahashi Murakami...

This wonderful over sized 19th Century Dairy Bowl was found in the darkest depths of The historic Cotswolds in England. A Hand made Dairy Bowl that we procured from a traditional che...

Rare Italian station wall clock, found in Rapallo in the Italian Riviera. Made from wood carcass with Plastic and Bakelite fascia, with a metal clock face and weighted pendulum.

A Space Age Red ladder Desk light from the estate of the late Lady Wanda Boothby, the wife of Conservative peer, Lord Robert Boothby (1900-86). Robert Jo...

Original drawing, felt-pen, signed, framed, 21 x 30 cm Early Graffiti from the 1970s.

Important: *This drawing is part of a limited series of hand-drawn illustrations and doesn’t include a frame. Pictures shown are just for illustration purposes.* Balance Drawings are a series of closed editions drawings that inspired the configurations of the Balance Collection...

Important: *This drawing is part of a limited series of hand-drawn illustrations and doesn’t include a frame. Pictures shown are just for illustration purposes.* Balance Drawings are a series of closed editions drawings that inspired the configurations of the Balance Collection...

Important: *This drawing is part of a limited series of hand-drawn illustrations and doesn’t include a frame. Pictures shown are just for illustration purposes.* Balance Drawings are a series of closed editions drawings that inspired the configurations of the Balance Collection...