We've Found the Body of Your Child
| We've Found the Body of Your Child | |
|---|---|
| Artist | Grayson Perry |
| Year | 2003 |
| Type | Pottery, child abuse, political, Turner Prize |
| Dimensions | 49cm by 30cm by 30cm |
We've Found the Body of Your Child is an artwork created in 2003 by the potter Grayson Perry, and it won the Turner Prize in 2003 [1], moving Perry into the public's view, and turning him into a cultural figure.
Background[edit]
This work was created for Perry's first art gallery exhibition in 2002, and was created fitting into many of his most common themes- Greek pottery and Folk art, as well as sexual imagery, hate and neglect inside families, which reflects his childhood. Perry has revealed that one of his chief aims in his art is to challenge the assumption that pottery is created for ornamental purposes., which also fits to this piece. This urn depicts a child's death in a small town, with his family coming to see his dead body. [2] The snow and dress designs on the women make that piece appear to be of Russia in the early 1800s, though many, such as the current owner, Charles Saatchi [3] have argued with this viewpoint. It fits to the tradition of Gothic art.
Analysis[edit]
The piece has been observed to cast a spell over the viewer: it looks similar to an antique Russian pot, especially with the uses of the colours gold, silver and white. This is supported by the distant factories, which suggest that civilisation and international connection is far away, creating the feeling of a gloomy, uninhabited village away from the rest of the world. The time has also been implied as a reason for this statement- it is unclear as to when the portrait is set, and, to a lesser degree, where.
The piece also uses imagery to make a statement upon child abuse and neglect worldwide. This is especially emphasised by the words put on the urn, such as cry, baby, fucking little shit and oi, you.[4]
Reception[edit]
The piece received little critical attention, until its nomination for the Turner Prize. From then, the piece received a combination of acclaim and controversy, especially the latter owing to its sexual imagery. Many critics thought that the work, though dark, was primarily satirical and noted its originality.
When the piece won the Turner Prize, Perry collected it in one of his flouncy dresses, appearing as his alter-ego, Claire. He first statements were " Thank you very much Nick. I'm quite surprised to be here tonight, because two days ago I had a phone call asking if I would be a judge for the Not the Turner Prize. And two years ago I was asked by the Stuckists to dress as a clown and come and be on the steps outside, so I am thrilled and slightly surprised to be here."[5]
References[edit]
- ↑ Kennedy, Maev. "Turner prize goes to Perry - and Claire", The Guardian, London, Monday 8 December 2003. Retrieved on 15 October 2017.
- ↑ Saatchi, Charles. "Saatchi Gallery Catalogue", Pinterest, London, 2003. Retrieved on 15 October 2017.
- ↑ "Grayson Perry - We've Found the Body Of Your Child" Saatchi Gallery, London, 2003. Retrieved on 15 October 2017.
- ↑ "Artwork by Grayson Perry" ArtStack, London, 2011. Retrieved on 15 October 2017.
- ↑ "Turner Prize 2003 Stuckists Stuckism, London, 2010. Retrieved on 15 October 2017.
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