Grayson Perry's Art Club

Can an artist lift a nation in pandemic? Artist Grayson Perry is doing his damnedest to try. In his first art club, he challenges the public and guests to tackle portraits. An artform that has traditionally helped us understand ourselves, empathise with others and process turbulent times. Perfect. The result? Inspiring art chat and a portrait made with spaghetti and soy sauce.

Grayson’s art club is a perfect portrait of a nation in lockdown. Artist Grayson and his wife Philippa, in their home studio, greet their guests by video call with the enthusiasm of two people who’ve been locked up together 24/7. They’re visibly tickled by the efforts sent in by viewers - this week, on the theme of animals. It’s an exuberant celebration of art and spirit when it’s needed most.

Once upon a time, the idea of entire nations being locked in our homes, unable to go out, was the stuff of fantasy. In 2020 it was reality. Fantasy is the theme of this week’s art club. Award-winning artist Grayson Perry seeks escapism with one of Britain’s most celebrated sculptors Antony Gormley and we’re invited to a virtual fantasy party with The Great British Baking Show’s Noel Fielding.

What started as a way to lift peoples’ spirits in lockdown has become a bizarre and charming record of life in the coronavirus pandemic. This week’s theme, ‘view from my window’, delivers portraits of trash cans and closed dental offices - a quirky insight into peoples every day lives at a strange time. Plus, conceptual artist Jeremy Deller reveals how inspiring quarantine can be.

“I wonder if we’ll be remembered as the generation that can remember parties?” groans artist Grayson Perry, as he moves in to week four of coronavirus lockdown. Aptly, the theme of this week’s club is ‘home.’ What has home become in quarantine? Sanctuary or prison? Grayson is tickled by the random artworks that spill in from the public and a darkly humorous take from artist David Shrigley.

No celebration of Britain would be complete without the chronicler of everyday British life, Martin Parr - his work has defined the nation like few other photographers. He joins Grayson for the final instalment of Art Club, alongside British artists the Singh Twins. How will they interpret the theme of ‘national spirit’ - that vital spark that’s powered people through quarantine.