This is probably one of my most ironic blog posts yet, since it’s currently Winter! I drafted this post a few months ago, and simply forgot to publish it (would of been so much better during the Summer!)
I wanted to write a blog post after my visit to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition this year, and give my take of it.
Every year for the last 7 years or so, I have been venturing to the brilliant world of The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London. It’s a show that I always put in my calendar, as it delivers year after year.
With its variety, wacky artworks, and the fact that amateur artists sit side by side with professionals (which I will go into in just a second), how does this years show compare to the rest?
I thought the overall show was amazing, filled with brilliant art that was very inspiring.
Photo: Dave Parry
If you’re not familiar with the exhibition, amateur and professional artists sit side by side, which makes it a truly unique show. The amateur’s art is judged by an expert panel who decide whether a piece of art should be accepted or declined. Artworks are given a ‘D’ for ‘doubtful’ after the first round, and are then judged again to see who makes the final cut.
As you can tell, it’s exceptionally hard to be accepted! (It’s my goal one day!)
My Take On The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2017
This year the work of Ken Howard caught my eye, I have always loved his landscapes which are his strong suit. He paints water effortlessly, as it’s so difficult from my experience to paint this tricky subject (he’s quite a character, as seen in this video).
Gilbert & George’s work was dramatic, brash and striking. I don’t particularly like their work as I find their style too crude, but I certainly appreciate the ideas and taboos their work breaks.
Most of the time the so called ‘amateur artists’ are often those that go down best, as the Michael Craig-Martin’s and Tracey Emin’s of the show always look the same. It’s great to have something new appear, that these artists deliver in spades. Their work is often a breathe of fresh air to the over saturated work that you see from the well known artists.
This is why The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is one of a kind.
Photo: Dave Parry
Colour is a focal point throughout the exhibition, as it shouts ‘Summer!’ to all those who enter. I love colour, and I always try and focus on it within all of my artworks and illustrations.
The outside sculpture is my only criticism.
Usually The Summer Exhibition has a bold and striking sculpture as you walk up to the main doors, however this year was a disappointment.
The sculpture was small and seemed to be put to one side. It was insignificant so no one paid any attention to it. It’s a great shame as this is usually a center point for the exhibition. This could of been because I visited on the last weekend, but this should not be an excuse.
Every day the exhibition should maintain its high standards, regardless of the date. Actually, the last weekend should go out on a bang!
Away from this, from photography, abstract art to architecture, it was a real joy to walk around and absorb. This can often be a negative of the show, as there’s so much to see! If you live close by and you’re interested in going next year, try and schedule a couple of trips to absorb it all.
Photo: Dave Parry
Apart from the one disappointment of the outside sculpture, I was very impressed with this years show. The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition never fails to deliver, and if you’re interested in going next year, I would highly recommend it!
If you visited this years show, let me know what you thought of it by commenting below! I would love to hear your thoughts. Or if you’re new to The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, what do you think of this write up?
Or see what you think of my illustration portfolio.
Well this was one ironic blog post!
Many thanks for listening and visiting my news page today. You can follow what I’m up to on my Twitter, Facebook or Google + pages, I’ll really appreciate it if you do, and don’t be afraid to say hi to me! Many thanks again, and have a great day!
7th December 2017
