The Royal Academy's annual celebration of art and creativity is finally back! For the first time in its 250+ year history, the Summer Exhibition ran in Autumn/ Winter in 2020, and does the same in 2021. Held every year since 1769, the largest open submission exhibition in the world champions contemporary art and architecture, displaying works across mediums and genres by emerging and established artists alike.
Andrew Graves - Heat (oil on gesso panel)
This year's coordinator, Yinka Shonibare RA, focused on highlighting artists from all backgrounds and cultures, selecting over 1,300 paintings, prints, sculptures, photography, film and architectural works from artists across the globe. The eclectic mix of works are selected and hung by a panel of Royal Academicians, featuring new and recent art from emerging talent, first-time exhibitors and members of the public alongside household names.
I think this is the eighth time I've attended the Summer Exhibition, and it's a joy browsing the vibrant variety of works each and every year. Here are some colourful, uplifting favourites from the 2021 show.
Paul Hogg - Shadows Falling In A Wood 2 (linocut print, edition of 30)
Rosemary Farrer - Flowers for Mondrian (mixed media)
Emyr Williams - Time's Birthday (acrylic)
Emma Stibbon RA - Snowline, Svalbard (intaglio print with hand colouring, edition of 40)
