Reflections on the Summer Exhibition 2021
No that’s not an oxymoron, the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy Arts is still running and will continue to run until the the 2nd of January 2022. And what a feast for the eyes it is.
Words taken from the RCA website, it is coordinated by renowned artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA and a committee of Royal Academicians, Summer Exhibition 2021 and explores the theme of Reclaiming Magic and celebrating the joy of creating art.
I visited last week with my sister and we both agreed that we would need to visit a few times to truly take everything in. Quite honestly some rooms were so overwhelming; the walls incredibly crowded with frames, it was hard to know where to look. What helped was taking a seat on one of the benches and letting your eyes wander to what lit you up or sparked an interest.
Some pieces however grabbed your attention in an instant, as soon as you enter the room. A visceral, emotional reaction. Like this piece by Nu Barreto.
A large piece but even so, in a room full of art this made you want to get closer. Bones, threads and acrylic on canvas mounted on wood, it’s physical size and presence create an intrigue immediately.
The subject clear even in its simplicity. I searched for some words from the artist himself and found this quote from an interview with The Art Momentum:
Bones is a work dedicated to the numerous genocides and crimes against humanity in the history of the continent. The bones hung on the stars are a tribute to the ones who lost their lives in these unforgettable tragedies.
In other rooms the array of small frames are placed together closely but harmoniously, the differences in tones and also in framing allowing your eye to move from piece to piece, appreciating each individually.
I love how the centre piece in this collection is framed. Most of the exhibition framing was simple and modern but I loved the pieces that added some depth or colour or interest to the framing. In such a large display these piece stood out.
Of all the pieces this one made me smile the most (top left) It’s by David Remfy, And it wasn’t even framed! I just love the strange yet ordinary feel to it. And the pink.
If you can get there before it ends in January then I highly recommend.