The Royal Academy has been holding a summer exhibition for 247 years. And this was the first one that I’ve been to! I’m not sure why why I’ve never been before – just never got around to it, I guess. But now I’m a “Friend” there’s more incentive.
All I can say is that I thought it was amazing. A cornucopia of art. Vivid, varied, extraordinary, inspiring. In keeping with tradition, but evolving as time moves on.
I’ll just let the art do the talking, with a few of my favourites. Photos were permitted.
The exhibition is on until 16 August.

First thing you see. Captcha No11 (Doryphoros) – Matthew Darbyshire


Homage a Henri – Vanessa Jackson

Can’t or Won’t – Christopher le Brun

Room III – the pink walls really brought out the vibrancy of the paintings

Mississippi river blues – Richard Long

Noon Fishing – Mick Moon, painted on wood that looks like water

From bottom left clockwise: Reigning Apps and Blogs – Derek Boshier; Stradella – Mali Morris; Untitled – David Remfry; Tree No7 – Tony Bevan

Morning – Rose Hilton

Uist – Jock Mcfadyen

Calton Hill – Jock McFadyen

Feast of the Gods II, after Bellini and Titian – Elise Ansell

Top : Total Eclipse of the Landscape – Will Alsop; Bottom: Now Is Here – Louisa Hutton

Canvey Island – Gold Mine Model – Nick Clear, Mike Aling, Hyun Jun Park, Simon Withers

Colony – January – Barbara Rae

Walking in the Rain, Seoul – Julian Opie

The Birds/ A Second Marriage – Anthony Green

Babel London (After Bruegel) – Emily Allchurch


Swimmers (Diptych) – Ivor Abrahams

Triangle Painting – Alan Charlton; Fictions 3 (Invisible Cities) – Tim Head

Small Spin, Reserve, Hide, Look, Slew, Collect – Antony Gormley
So much to spur the imagination. So much to admire. I’ll be trying to go back before the exhibition ends, and get a different take, no doubt.
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About John S
I'm blogging about the things I love: music, sport, culture, London, with some photos to illustrate aspects of our wonderful city. I’ve written a novel called “The Decision”, a futuristic political thriller, and first of a trilogy. I’m also the author of a book on music since the 1970s called “ I Was There - A Musical Journey” and a volume of poetry about youth, “Growin’ Up - Snapshots/ Fragments”. All available on Amazon and Kindle.
What can I say? I’d love to do an Art Gown for their display! ❤