Art Funded by you

The Uses of Literacy

Jeremy Deller, 1997

The Uses of Literacy is a key early work where Deller uses his frequently employed strategy of working with particular interest groups and communities. Deller advertised in the music paper Melody Maker for material from fans of the Welsh band The Manic Street Preachers. The work consists of an informal 'display' of paintings, collages, drawings, books, poetry and ephemera donated by the fans. The installation examines the relationship between the fan and the performer, and questions notions of authorship and authenticity by reversing the usual hierarchical order and placing the work of amateurs in the gallery. The Arts Council Collection aims to be a repository of notable early works by outstanding British artists.

More information

Title of artwork, date

The Uses of Literacy, 1997

Date supported

2009

Medium and material

Mixed media (including pencil on paper, pen on paper, books, collage on paper, photographs, acrylic on canvas)

Dimensions

Variable

Grant

20000

Total cost

78200

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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