Royal Academy – My London+

A friend and I have been going along to the Summer Exhibition for some years now. There is always something provocative, stunning and surprising to see. What I particularly like is the contrast of art, from prints to watercolour, mixed media, installations, models, oil. You get the whole spectrum. Some of it is beautiful and some is downright terrible! But that’s only my opinion.

There were many art pieces highlighting climate change

What is art? That’s the question that keeps raising its ugly head. Well, I have learned that anything can be art, and if the artist says it is art, then it is. I’ve come to believe that over the years. I also think that anything in creative arts that provokes a response (whether good or bad) has done its job.

Cairn: Sea-worn concrete by Ever Grainger. Is it art? Well, I liked the quirkiness of it.

At the Summer Exhibition, works are chosen by various people. I’m always fascinated to see what Grayson Perry has chosen. His selections are in two rooms, the walls of which are painted bright yellow. I loved it, but my friend found it sickly!

Acciona Ombu, Madrid by Lord Foster of Thames Bank RA

There is something about model buildings that remind me of dolls houses and Diorama (a miniature three-dimensional scene in which models of figures are set against a background). Sometimes these come displayed in boxes, like a world in a box. I just love them. I always look forward to seeing what is on display at the Summer Exhibition each year.

There are 1465 exhibits. Some baffled us, a few we wondered why someone who was a member of the RA would draw/paint something a school child would do. What are the judges seeing in those? The exhibits I have chosen to photograph (and there are more than I have posted here) are ones that I either liked, found clever or ‘spoke’ to me. But even I couldn’t take photos of everything. I thought this year was better than the previous year. My friend disagreed! But disagreeing is fine. We all have our own opinions. We still enjoy our day out.

Espirit D’Art by Bob and Roberta Smith RA

The piece above sums up my feelings about art well, which is why I like it. Do I need any other reason?

Another general shot of works chosen by Grayson Perry

When I took the above photo, my friend (probably despairing of me) said ‘What are you taking now?’ I was drawn to Mass Extinction Includes You by Nick Fieldhouse because what he says is true. But also I wanted another general view.

The photo of the above art work doesn’t do it justice as I couldn’t get a clear shot with all the reflection off the glass. What I like about this is the different cultures, religions, races, all brothers and sisters together.

What is it about dolls that can look scary? Well, certainly dismembered ones. Remember Toy Story?

Beekeeper (Girl) II by Yinka Shonibare RA

Yinka Shonibare has had exhibits in most (if not all) the Summer Exhibitions I’ve been to. I like her work. The above is one of four exhibits by her this year.

Because You’re Worth It? II (Slaves of Fashion Series) by The Singh Twins

I couldn’t find the artist to this, but I like it! I couldn’t take the whole thing in one shot, so I did it in two. Quirky eh?

Dante’s Inferno – Canto 3 (just guessing by Leonardo Frigo. I love this.

Church of the Lateral Flow Saints by Matt Wickham. Brilliant!

The Summer Exhibition is on until 21st August. I’m sure every one of you would find something different that appeals. My choice would not be for everyone, but I hope it gives you a flavour. You can also view all (or most?) online here. I’ve just had a bit of shock when I saw online that something I thought had just been left there was actually a piece of art! See the exhibit here! Back to that question…what is art?

This was a visit where two people (friends) who were going to the exhibition together, had to enter apart to get in! With local restrictions (Covid 19) two households are not allowed to mix indoors, and this also means not visiting galleries together. The RA had not connacted me about this (I’d bought the tickets before these restrictions were in place). It was my friend who told me as she had seen it on their website. However, it’s not blazen across their website – I had to go looking for it. So, we worked out a stratergy. Luckily, the tickets (printable) were on separate sheets, so when we met I gave my friend her ticket. We bought lunch at the station and ate in Trafalgar Square.

On arrival at the RA I went in first and my friend followed a few minutes later. We went round the exhibition separately and met up in the last room before going around the shop together. Outside we had a cuppa and sat by the statue of Joshua Reynolds for a chat.

Bringing the Past to New Horizons – Anthena Anastasiou

I understand the policy of the RA, but everyone has to wear a mask, the numbers of people kept are low (the RA does really well, and I applaude them for that. I always feel safe there). But we were just two people, not a group. My friend was convinced we would get stopped. I was pretty certain we would be okay. Obvioulsy now, I would not book tickets for us while the restrictions are in place, but we did do it safely.

And so to the exhibition. There was a good mix of painting, sculpture and models. I always love the model room where mock-up buildings stand showing new buildings for industry, people and the idea of new worlds. Planners always have interesting ideas, and there is something very ‘dolls house’ about them that make me want to play with them!

Here the famous rub shoulders with other artists. Anyone can enter for a fee of £35. This year my sister-in-law entered a piece of sculpture. She got through the first round and was asked to take her work in for the second round, but unfortunately she was not picked. However, to get through the first stage is an achievement in itself.

There is work here by two of my favourite artists – Anselm Kiefer and Grayson Perry. I took photos of things I liked or struck me as interesting. I also get ideas from these sorts of exhibitions. I am a dabbler in art. After years of not drawing or painting I have graduated back to ‘having a go’. Fired up by Grayson Perry’s Art Club on TV during the worst of lockdown, I produced something for each week, and I am currently taking part in a Twitter’s Inktober, producing ink drawings and ink wash in response to daily prompts. I still haven’t found my medium, but I do love working with ink. However, I want to try other things (I’m a hopeless watercolourist). I only share a few of my ink drawings on Twitter. Basically, everyone is so good, I was embarassed! I do share them on Facebook. Oh, my poor friends!

Ghost Towers (after Piranes) – Emily Allchurch

However, art is for everyone, and I find it relaxing. It’s been something to hang on to in these times, however bad my art is, and sometimes it is really bad. But back to exhibition. I think there is something here for everyone, whatever your taste – traditional and experimental. Hopefully, next year the exhibition will be back to its summer slot. But who knows where we will be in 2021.

Tag: Royal Academy

Summer Exhibition – Royal Academy

Royal Academy late Summer/Winter Exhibition