Winner of the 2003 Turner Prize, Grayson Perry creates ceramics and other objects that explore diverse historical and contemporary themes. Drawn in by the beauty of his objects, which are covered with sgraffito drawing, handwritten and stenciled text, transferred photographs, and sumptuous glaze, at close range viewers apprehend darker subjects and narrative hints to environmental disaster and child abuse. Autobiographical references to the artist's childhood, family, and transvestite alter ego Claire are intertwined with his political and allegorical references, creating a challenging conflict between his dark themes and the rich beauty of his works.