London By Londoners Blog 2010 Summer Exhibition - RARoyal Academy Summer Exhibition
Author: Jane S. - Guest Reviewer | 
2010 14th June - 22nd August 2010
Pilloried and praised in equal measure, but there's no disputing the popularity of the
Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition. Showing annually since 1769, it's the world's largest (and oldest) submissions-based contemporary collection and features up-and-coming artists alongside notable names such as Michael Landy, Tracy Emin and Gillian Ayres.
With such a range of subject matter, style and mediums on show there is little sense of cohesion, despite the fact it runs under a theme, which this year is "Raw". What matters though, is that there really is 'something for everyone' and there certainly should be with over 1200 pieces displayed.
The real joy of the show is discovering your own personal gem, whether your taste is for the contemporary or the conservative. Oh, and if you have a few grand to spare, you can even purchase your new find. Just make sure you put your orange dot in the right place.
Here are a few of my own standouts, from this year's show:
"Poverty Party at The White House" by Rosson Crow - £Not For Sale
The implication of a busy, celebratory scene that somehow manages to be strangely desolate 
and remote. Dead birds adorn the table alongside red roses which drip and bleed down the canvas. Unsettling.
"Chicken Shop Chic" from the series "The Less We Have The Cheaper The Party" by Ben Graville £295
An ordinary, drunken moment becomes a scene set on stage. The brick wall forming the backdrop and the man appearing to be centre stage in the spotlight. Although the photographer appears to be part of the audience, he is showing affinity by attempting to become part of his subject. Humorous and quirky.
"Hub 2007 - 10" by Stephen Walter £2,300
Beautifully intricate pictorial map of London. Tiny little symbols representing hospitals, supermarkets, houses and even familiar London landmarks are crammed in with not a sliver of space remaining. Both informative and humorous, this piece relies on a long, lingering viewing to truly appreciate the work.
"Divine" by Jane Harris £21,050
Big, bold and beautiful. The overlaid brushwork and elliptical form of this painting creates a sense of movement which is at odds with its initial appearance of symmetry. Walk around it and see.
The exhibition continues, until the 22nd of August.
Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD
Piccadilly Circus or Green Park Tube.
