Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts

The Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition has returned with its signature blend of professional artists and aspiring amateurs, this year curated by the ever-provocative Grayson Perry. Known for its eclectic and democratic spirit, the exhibition showcases over 1,000 works chosen from open submissions, presenting a mosaic of works ranging from whimsical cat paintings to stark abstractions, and even a beaded bust of Elizabeth II.

This annual open-call show allows anyone to submit work for selection, offering amateur artists a shot at recognition alongside established Academicians. It’s a chance to see works by Tracey Emin, Georg Baselitz and Sean Scully displayed perhaps next to a little watercolour by your primary school teacher. This year’s 256^th edition features a staggering 1,710 works, surpassing last year’s 1,614, creating a bustling yet somewhat claustrophobic atmosphere. Artworks are packed from floor to ceiling, and somewhat unevenly distributed across the galleries, with some rooms feeling extremely dense and others surprisingly sparse.

Each gallery is curated by a different committee member, who brings their unique interpretation to this year’s theme, “Making Space”. The result is a series of rooms that sometimes revolve around a common topic or medium, such as black-and-white photography, sculpture or seascapes and trees, while others appear more randomly assembled. This approach may displease contrarians and purists, but ultimately, it is the very unpredictability that invites deeper exploration, revealing hidden gems and genuine surprises when discovering the artists’ names.

The first gallery, curated by Hughie O’Donoghue RA, features several standout pieces. According to the programme, O’Donoghue was drawn to “works that displayed a painter’s sensitivity, in which the physical process of painting and a sense of the hard-won image were evident”. While this vision doesn’t entirely manifest in practice, there are certainly noteworthy works, such as John Walker’s Black Pond, a meticulously reworked composition dominated by hues of blue.

Gallery three presents a diverse collection, featuring works by iconic artists such as Anselm Kiefer and Rose Wylie. These larger pieces are juxtaposed with smaller works by artists like David Remfry and Diana Armfield. In this mix, Frank Bowling’s intimate, textured small-scale paintings are a must-see. Another significant work is El Anatsui’s intricate wall hanging, which commands one end of the room. Further along, in gallery eight, Norman Ackroyd RA’s intricate etchings are a personal favourite. At 86, Ackroyd continues to captivate with his atmospheric seascapes and delicate works. These complement Emma Stibbon RA’s prints of Antarctica well.

A distinctive feature of this year’s exhibition is the abundance of animal-themed artworks. The display includes oils, watercolours and crayon renderings of dogs, cats and puffins – you name it – ranging from witty and humorous to flat and overly sentimental. A standout is Elizabeth Cope’s grand oil painting, featuring a vibrant assemblage of animals, brimming with energy and artistic freedom. These sorts of works may raise eyebrows, but they certainly offer a refreshing and playful variety.

Not all rooms hit the mark. Gallery nine, showcasing Ron Arad RA’s String Quartet, with its silent musical instruments laid out like corpses while music eerily plays, feels a little out of place…

The Summer Exhibition invariably attracts stark criticism. Snobs are quick to dismiss it, with negative reviews already flooding in. Some argue that it juxtaposes subpar works by hopeful amateurs with those by established artists. Others grumble that it grants privileged Academicians a chance to showcase some of their not-so-impressive works. And yet, there is an undeniable charm in this event. At its core, it’s a display of the unexpected. It offers a new assortment of artworks each year – some excellent, some less so – allowing viewers to rummage through and potentially find something affordable for their study. For those who embrace this eclectic mélange, the Summer Exhibition remains a unique and refreshing experience.

Constance Ayrton
Photo: David Parry/Royal Academy of Arts

Summer Exhibition is at the Royal Academy of Arts from 18^th June until 18^th August 2024. For further information visit the exhibition’s website here.