Grayson Perry's Graphic Novella 'Cycle of Violence' Revisited in 2013 ArtReview
In 1992, Atlas Press released Grayson Perry's graphic novella 'Cycle of Violence' in a limited edition. When it was reissued in 2013, Perry characterized it as a powerful confrontation with his younger, more volatile self. The narrative centers on Bradley, a top cyclist facing impotence and mental distress, situated in a future that prioritizes compassion, environmentalism, and LGBTQ leadership. Perry's monochrome illustrations draw from the styles of J.G. Ballard and Aubrey Beardsley, showcasing erotic murders and Bradley's path to redemption. He revealed that he shared the book with his therapist six years post-completion, indicating it mirrors his own struggles with maternal issues, gender identity, and a love for Japanese ceramics. The original article appeared in the January & February 2013 edition of ArtReview.
Key facts
- Cycle of Violence was first published in 1992 by Atlas Press
- Grayson Perry wrote a foreword for a 2013 edition
- The story features a cyclist named Bradley in a future world
- Perry's drawings are influenced by J.G. Ballard and Aubrey Beardsley
- The novella includes themes of sexual violence and psychological trauma
- Perry presented the book to his therapist six years after creation
- The article was published in ArtReview in January & February 2013
- Perry describes the work as a reflection of his younger self
Entities
Artists
- Grayson Perry
- J.G. Ballard
- Aubrey Beardsley
Institutions
- Atlas Press
- ArtReview