Grayson Perry's Reith Lectures present institutional view of contemporary art

Grayson Perry, who won the Turner Prize in 2003, delivered the BBC's Reith Lectures in autumn 2013 at Tate Modern. Dressed as his alter-ego Claire, he addressed a packed audience with the aim of reconciling the public with contemporary art. Perry's lectures focused on institutional mechanisms rather than artistic content, suggesting value comes from validation by collectors, dealers, and curators. He argued we are in the 'end state of art' where pluralism replaces manifestos and rebellion. Perry referenced philosopher Arthur C. Danto's ideas about tolerant multiculturalism in art. The artist received a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June 2013. His 2012 documentary series 'All in the Best Possible Taste with Grayson Perry' examined social class and taste in Britain. Perry has become a media celebrity through television appearances and newspaper criticism since his Turner Prize win.