The exhibition “Vanity of Small Differences,” hosted by the Izolyatsia Foundation on its platform located at Kyiv Ship Repair Plant, shows off a project of the same name launched by one of the most prominent contemporary British artists, 2003 Turner Prize-winning Grayson Perry.
In a sense, Perry fits the idea of the artist as an extravagant person. For example, he has an alter-ego, a woman named Claire whom he often dresses up as and comes out publicly in this role, generating repeated scandals. However, his defining feature is passion for handicrafts, including ceramics, embroidery, and tapestries. Perry can be called a craftsman in the sublime sense of the word; his 2012 exhibition at the British Museum was even called “The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman.” More importantly still, his style is an organic outgrowth of the ancient and rich tradition of British satire.
In fact, Perry’s “Vanity of Small Differences” was inspired by the 18th-century British artist William Hogarth’s series of satirical prints entitled “A Rake’s Progress.” “Vanity...” is a series of six large-scale tapestries which follow the life of a fictional character called Tim Rakewell (Hogarth’s character was named Tom Rakewell), as he develops from birth to his untimely death in a car accident. The works are rich in details of modern Britain’s everyday life, from interior design to children’s toys and from political protests to celebrity gossip in newspapers. Besides Hogarth, the composition of each tapestry also recalls Renaissance religious painting. Moreover, Perry engaged in a veritable voyage of discovery, as he traveled all over England, interviewed workers, aristocrats, and members of the middle class, entered their homes, tattoo parlors and pubs, stayed with them at parties, balls, and social events (this voyage is covered in an exciting three-part documentary All in the Best Possible Taste with Grayson Perry, which is screened at the exhibition and can also be watched online). Most of the characters in tapestries are real people; every detail is telling and has a back-story.
Effectively, we are dealing here with an unprecedented artistic and anthropological study. We can only congratulate the Izolyatsia on joining the world tour of works by Grayson Perry and recommend that anyone able to visit the exhibition, which will run until March 22, do so.
