This year, British artist David Remfry RA will coordinate the Summer Exhibition and, working with the rest of the Summer Exhibition Committee, will explore the theme of Only Connect, inspired by a quote from the novel Howards End by E. M. Forster.
Artists exhibiting new work this year include British artist Lindsey Mendick, who has created three playful ceramic works, and Barbados-born painter Paul Dash who will show compositions that bridge figuration and abstraction. Other artists invited to exhibit this year include Royal Academy Schools graduates Jenkin van Zyl and Harminder Judge, American multi-media artist Ida Applebroog, St Lucia-born painter Winston Branch, Colombian sculptor Carlos Zapata and British painters Caragh Thuring and Caroline Walker. In addition, a dramatic mobile installation by Irish fashion designer Richard Malone will hang theatrically in the Central Hall, traversing the line between fashion and sculpture.
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is an annual event held in London and is organised by the Royal Academy of Arts. It is one of the most significant and longest-running open-submission art exhibitions in the world. The exhibition has been held yearly since 1769, making it a prestigious and highly anticipated event in art.
The Summer Exhibition aims to showcase a diverse range of artworks across different mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, architecture, and more. It provides a platform for established and emerging artists to display their work to a broad audience, including art collectors, critics, and the general public.
What sets the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition apart is its unique curatorial approach. The exhibition is coordinated by a committee of Royal Academicians led by the Royal Academy’s current President. The committee selects artworks from both invited artists and submissions from the public. This open-submission aspect of the exhibition allows artists of all backgrounds and levels of experience to have the opportunity to exhibit their work alongside renowned artists.
The display of artworks in the Summer Exhibition is known for its distinctive “salon hang,” where artworks are densely arranged from floor to ceiling, creating an immersive and eclectic environment. This approach often results in a vibrant and visually dynamic exhibition, with artworks of various styles, themes, and sizes placed in close proximity.
The Summer Exhibition not only showcases artworks but also includes a program of events, such as artist talks, workshops, and performances. These events provide further engagement and enrichment for visitors, allowing them to interact with the art and gain insights into the creative process.
Over the years, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition has featured works by numerous prominent artists, including J.M.W. Turner, David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Anish Kapoor, Yinka Shonibare, and many others. As a result, it has become a powerful platform for discovering new talent and trends in contemporary art.
Attending the Summer Exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore a vast array of artworks, from traditional to experimental, and to experience the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art. The exhibition typically takes place from June to August each year at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, attracting visitors from around the world who immerse themselves in the diverse and inspiring art world.
Top Photo: © Artlyst 2023
Summer Exhibition 2023 Main Galleries 13 June – 20 August 2023