Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2015

The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is one of my favourite events of the summer in London. Admittedly I don’t know that much about art as a whole, but I was introduced to the exhibition by my dad, who took me along one time. I remember at the time thinking it would be another snooze fest of an exhibition, but I instantly fell in love with it and now I like to go every year!

This year I was lucky enough to be invited to the blogger evening, now what’s so special about that? Well the best thing possible, we were allowed to take pictures. For the first time, we were allowed to go wild in the aisles with our cameras and mobiles and share the exhibition on our blogs and social platforms.

This years exhibition takes place as always at the Royal Academy just opposite Fortnum & Mason. For 247 years the exhibition has provided a platform for emerging and established artists to share their work with the visitors of the Royal Academy. There is an open-submission to everyone all over the world, so if you have a burning desire to let out your creative side, then maybe next year your work could be here. Works are submitted firstly online and whittled down to the best selection. Pretty much everything you see is for sale and prices range from £85 to somewhere in the regions of £80,000. So there is really something for everyone.

This years exhibition was co-ordinated by Michael Craig Martin CBE RA, who has focused on a new layout of the Main Galleries, each room is characterised by vibrant colours. I couldn’t help but be drawn to the bright pink room and the art in it including the neon circle signs. Craig-Martin also invited Turner Prize nominated artist Jim Lambie to create a signature, multi coloured installation for the main staircase leading up to the exhibition. This is really a centrepiece and if you can, grab a photo. It’s a challenge to get noone walking on it!

There are over 1000 pieces of artwork on display, that you could go round numerous times and see something different each time. I was drawn to lots of pieces and Danny others, it’s really interesting to see what people like and why. Something I think is hideous someone could fall in love with and then there are the ones you probably will never understand. The exhibition hosts home to paintings, printmaking, photography, sculpture, architecture and film.

One thing at the RA Summer Exhibition, always look up….

When you enter the exhibition through the courtyard, the amazing installation by Conrad Shawcross RA is also part of the exhibition. Entitled ‘The Dappled Light Of The Sun’ this steel installation is a group of five ‘clouds’ and it stands at six metres high and weighs five tonnes each, it was very impressive and perfect for a photo opportunity.

The perfect evening.

The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition runs until the 16th August, 10am-6pm Monday to Sunday and Fridays until 10pm, with tickets priced at £13.50 for adults.