Grayson Perry Isn’t Bothered by AI Using His Art, Embracing Appropriation in the Digital Age

18 May 2025

Garryson Perry, AP

At the Charleston Literature Festival, Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry addressed the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its intersection with art. Known for his provocative works and alter ego Claire, Perry expressed a relaxed stance on AI using his creations for training models.

"I don't really mind," Perry remarked, highlighting his own history of drawing inspiration from various sources. He humorously dubbed himself the "world champion of cultural appropriation," acknowledging that much of his work involves reinterpreting existing cultural elements.

Perry emphasized that the unique, physical nature of his art, often ceramics and tapestries, holds intrinsic value that digital reproductions can't replicate. He noted, "I've never worried about if anyone wants to use my work in a lecture or whatever they want to do with it."

While he hasn't yet experimented with prompting AI to generate images in his style, Perry expressed curiosity about the outcome. "Maybe I should ask that, that would be interesting," he mused. "Maybe I'll get cross then, maybe I'll be immediately signing a letter."

In his recent exhibition, Delusions of Grandeur at the Wallace Collection, Perry incorporated AI-generated self-portraits, showcasing his willingness to engage with emerging technologies. However, he remains critical of AI's creative capabilities, describing its output as "bland" and "overly literal." He likened AI's current state to "a very, very pedantic 14-year-old" focused on technical precision without deeper artistic insight.

Perry predicted that AI might replace "mediocre" creative tasks, such as designing generic birthday cards, but doubted its potential for true innovation. He stressed the importance of narrative in art, stating, "Narrative is the most potent form of human art." This belief underpins his use of personas like Claire and his latest alter ego, Shirley Smith, featured in the Delusions of Grandeur exhibition.

Reflecting on the role of storytelling, Perry expressed admiration for the clarity found in religious narratives, despite not being spiritual himself. He contrasted this with the often vague nature of modern spirituality and creativity, suggesting a preference for well-defined narratives in art.

Perry's insights offer a nuanced perspective on the evolving relationship between art and technology, emphasizing the enduring value of physical artistry and the human touch in storytelling.