The Island of Bad Art
Print on paper (etching/intaglio) • Grayson Perry (CBE RA)
Style & Movement
Contemporary British; Satirical Institutional Critique
Medium & Technique
Etching and aquatint on wove paper; features intricate line work, cross-hatching, and topographic-style stippling to mimic a 17th-century cartographic aesthetic.
Creation Period
2013
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 75 x 110 cm (image size), landscape format
Subject Description
A satirical cartographic depiction of an island shaped like a lung or kidney, densely populated with labels mocking art world clichés, market trends, and aesthetic failures. It includes regions like the 'Gulf of Understanding,' 'Lack of Commitment,' and 'Failed Ambition,' using the visual language of antique maps to organize a critique of the contemporary art industry.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the print appears well-preserved within its frame with no visible signs of foxing, fading, or mechanical damage.
Estimated Market Value
$15,000 - $22,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$12,000 - $18,000 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 64/80 in the lower left corner and signed by the artist in the lower right. Likely acquired from a primary dealer (such as Victoria Miro) or a high-end secondary market gallery.
Art Historical Significance
A significant work within Perry's 'map' series, which utilizes cartography to explore social class, taste, and the psychology of the art world. It follows the tradition of Hogarthian satire, positioning Perry as a chronicler of modern British cultural mores.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by Grayson Perry; limited edition 64/80. The contrast between the 'high' art medium of etching and the 'low' self-deprecating humor and subversive text is a hallmark of the artist's style.
Condition Issues
None visible; minor potential for concentric rippling (cockling) common in large-scale prints if the humidity is not controlled, though not evident here.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free, reversible archival materials. Use UV-filtering museum glass to prevent ink degradation and maintain a stable environment with 50% relative humidity.