'Grayson's Art Club' features David Shrigley

"This show is a crystallisation of the feelings and obsessions of artists from all over the country whether it is their first painting since primary school of they are world famous."  – Grayson Perry

'Grayson's Art Club' is a group exhibition of works selected by British artist Grayson Perry from 'Grayson’s Art Club', the popular Channel 4 TV series made during the lockdown in the UK due to Covid-19. Featured in the exhibition are works by David Shrigley that were originally presented as part of Stephen Friedman Gallery's Online Viewing Room 'Lockdown Drawings' in 2020.

Every week during lockdown, Perry hosted the show from his own studio. Perry and his wife Philippa talked to other famous artists and creatives about how they were spending their time in isolation and invited them to make their own works in response to this unprecedented crisis. Each week a different theme – portraits, animals, fantasy, view from my window, home, Britain – was explored.

A key element of the series was Perry asking members of the public to send him their own artworks which they had been making at home, talking to them via video calls and choosing his favourite artworks. He received nearly 10,000 entries, an overwhelming response to his call out. The variety of entries – using canvas, paper, photography, sculpture and mixed media – showed the imagination, skill and creativity of the nation. These works, alongside those of Grayson and Philippa Perry and the invited artists and celebrities, will be on show in the exhibition.

Art Club’s ethos chimes with that of Manchester Art Gallery, promoting art for the health of society and as an art school for everyone. This exhibition will help the Gallery rebuild itself after the devastation of the last months, whilst also playing a part in the re-building of society post-Covid, bringing life and soul back into the city.

Alongside the public’s artworks, the exhibition will feature pieces by celebrities Jenny Eclair, Noel Fielding, Harry Hill, Jessica Hynes, Joe Lycett, Kevin McLeod, Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves), Liza Tarbuck, and artists Jeremy Deller, Antony Gormley, Maggi Hambling, Chantal Joffe, Martin Parr, Raqib Shaw, David Shrigley and the Singh Twins.

The exhibition is supported by Channel 4 and Swan Films.