For its annual, ‘Summer Exhibition’, the Royal Academy of Arts sticks to the brilliant idea of exhibiting famous artists such as Frank Bowling, alongside unknowns like Tom Sykes. It’s a fascinating formula. And when some of the works are for sale – ranging from inexpensive to extortionate – the enlightenment and wisdom that you obtain will encourage future talents and make them more valuable.
The spectacle gives visitors the opportunity to seek hundreds of artworks, some tensely hung chic-style, maneuvered by the all-encompassing guidebook that reveals artists and prices, or by the pure delight of admiring the world of arts. This isn’t about displaying the latest art trends or the boldest artists – that’s what London’s Royal Academy of arts exhibition is about. Here, there is space for different themes, like black and white and nature – from oil to wood – along with rooms dedicated to portraiture such as the pop-art portrait of Marilyn Monroe by David Mach in the Weldon Gallery, landscape and architecture such as Perry Kulpter’s works in The Philip and Pauline Harris Gallery, and typo-art such as the Interview with David Nott by Eddie Mair, the sign-writers paint on a board by Bob and Roberta Smith.
An incredible masterpiece is Georg Baseltiz’s abstract painting made of black, grey, beige and orange pigments. Creating a sense of fascination and illusion, it’s a worthy piece. Another highlight is Ron Arad’s engaging project, Last Train. The modern-steel-typographic work adds a dose of reality to the show. It reflects the twenty-first century’s thoughts, bringing to the audience a wide mixture of fabrics. As for Conrad Shawcross’s unique work, it is a majestic bronze piece full of movement.
Whether you appreciate art or find it completely dull, you can’t but savour this annual presentation. Just remember to sleep well the night before – 1,260 pieces is a lot of art to focus on.
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Yasmeena El Sabeh
Lebanese, 19 years old, Oxford summer school student (2011), Cambridge summer school student (2012), College Protestant Français graduate (2013), Double majoring in Journalism and Political Science, LAU Model Arab League journalist, reporter & social media coordinator, LAU Model United Nations public relations officer, Moderation & Justice Academy for Leaders trainer, London School of Journalism summer student (2014), Young Diplomats Forum London (2014), Shoutout UK correspondent, NooSoos accredited writer, NewYork Times talent community member, Writers Cafe writer, recently published in The Daily Star.
