Playing to the Gallery: Helping Contemporary Art in its Struggle to Be Understood

Finally I don't feel like a complete idiot when reading about or looking at modern art. This book addressed all the worrisome thoughts in my head about what actually constitutes "Art" and why I could not always tell if the criteria had been met to check the art box. I love that Grayson Perry doesn't take his potentially stuffy subject too seriously and has a tremendous and wry sense of humor (and of the absurd.) Recommended reading for anyone who feels a bit insecure about speaking at art openings or just looking at the exhibits.

Loved this! Perry is the perfect guide through the art landscape, particularly for outsiders new to the field, but also insightful and funny for those already in it. Lovely, thoughtful, irreverent, fun. Sad to have read it so quickly!

This is a small book. That is written in a chatty style. And includes not too perfectly drawn cartoons. It is also right on the money with regard to the quirks, foibles and state of the contemporary art world. Grayson relates what he observes as the philosophies and practices common in today's art world. In a backhanded way he swipes at some of those practices, while saying that he - as an artist (craftsperson?) himself - is grappling with those things too. I highly recommend reading this book and also Seven Days in the Art World. Those who have given this book a one-star rating are trying too hard... Maybe they need a dry, art history textbook. If they would take a deep breath, perhaps a sip of a well fermented adult beverage, then just relax and read not only what is said and drawn in this little gem but also what is written between the lines, then they will grasp the essence of the contemporary art world.

Written clearly even though the contemporary art world is a very unclear subject. I enjoyed his insights and as a working artist plugging along day to day I felt a tinge of inspiration too.

Amazing artist and this book is a good sampling of his works.

Finally someone is telling the truth!

Was an easy read, but didn't really deliver much.

An interesting assessment of the contemporary art scene from an insider, an established artist. His book makes clear what someone outside this scene, as a casual observer, may already have surmised: contemporary art exists as a separate world from traditional art, as appreciated by most of the world's population, and consists of a relatively small group of people located in a few major cities of the world, who are curators, critics, gallery owners, and wealthy collectors. I found it revelatory to read that, to become an artist of note in this world, talent and creativity are hardly enough: one needs a degree in art from a reputable school, and considerable knowledge of the history and development of contemporary art. It is truly a world unto itself.

Grayson Perry is as talented a writer as he is a visual artist. He writes with great fluency and facility. He is insightful and humorous, peppering his narrative with an abundance of anecdotes and illustrations. This is a very readable, engaging, and educational book.

complex subject explored with laser clarity

Das Buch ist sehr lustig aber gleichzeitig sehr informativ. Man wird über die Kunstwelt von Heute von einem Künstler-POV erklärt.Sehr gut formuliert !Lustig und genial !

I have always loved Greyson Perry's work, and my visit to his tapestries in Liverpool's Walker gallery is a highlight I will never forget. This book is his authentic voice, so it is approachable, likeable and totally lacking in arrogance. He makes me laugh, as he teaches me. It is irreverent, there is not a trace of pomposity and unlike so many writers about art, he is not convinced of his own superiority. Which is odd as he is both erudite and talented!I wish there was another book, I devoured this is a couple of days!

This book is a light and fun introduction to contemporary art, taken (more or less directly) from Mr.Perry's 2013 BBC Reith Lectures. The main differences being the addition of fun irreverant illustrations from the artist which add humour and clarity to the arguments presented, and the merciful absence of Sue Lawley's tedious drivel on Mr. Perry's wardrobe.The contents are written in an informal conversational style and also from a unique perspective; i.e. a contemporary artist willing to talk about the art world without drifting into verbal obfuscation and multisyllabic silliness.The book is enjoyable and does what it sets out to do. It is however quite short - and once read is unlikely to be referred back to. The Kindle version is very good value - it both displays and reads well.