A significant and satirical artwork by the celebrated artist Sir Grayson Perry has been permanently added to Scotland's national collection. The acquisition, made possible by patrons of the National Galleries of Scotland, ensures the public can now view the piece at the Modern One gallery in Edinburgh.
A Satirical Masterpiece Finds a Permanent Home
The artwork in question is a large-scale etching titled 'The American Dream'. Measuring an impressive 239cm in length, the print was initially featured in the popular 'Grayson Perry: Smash Hits' exhibition, which concluded on 12 November 2023. Following the show's success, the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) seized the opportunity to acquire the piece, officially adding it to the national collection two years after its first display in the city.
Described by the NGS as an "epic satirical statement on our current culture wars", the work offers a provocative visual commentary on modern society. The acquisition is particularly notable as it marks the first work by the Turner Prize-winning artist to enter Scotland's national collection.
The Inspiration Behind 'The American Dream'
Sir Grayson Perry revealed that the artwork was directly inspired by his experiences while filming his television series, 'Grayson Perry’s Big American Road Trip'. He explained that the piece acts as a personal map of the United States, playing with the common delusion that a simple, clear path exists to resolve complex emotional and societal conflicts.
Stylistically, the artist drew inspiration from Cold War propaganda maps from the 1950s, which often depicted the 'communist threat'. At the top of the intricate print sits a figure identified by Perry as Mark Zuckerberg, whom he calls the "best known face of social media power".
Reflecting on the themes, Sir Grayson offered a psychotherapist's perspective on social media conflicts. He stated that when people experience unfocused emotions like anxiety or anger, they unconsciously seek out issues to attach these feelings to, a process for which social media is perfectly suited.
Public and Critical Acclaim
The decision to acquire the artwork was heavily influenced by its positive reception during the exhibition. Patrick Elliot, the chief curator of modern and contemporary art at NGS, noted that acquiring a work by Perry had long been a consideration for the gallery.
"We all loved The American Dream, as with so much of Perry’s work it is hilarious but bang on," Elliot said. He recounted observing visitors "laughing out loud and engaging with strangers" as they studied Perry's acutely observed comments on society. The gallery hopes that this engaging and positive experience will continue for all visitors who come to see the print in its new permanent home.
Sir Grayson Perry's journey from taking evening pottery classes to winning the Turner Prize and becoming a well-known television personality, including an appearance on *The Masked Singer*, underscores his unique position in the contemporary art world. This acquisition cements his work's importance within the UK's national cultural landscape.
