Summer Exhibition 2021

The Royal Academy are maintaining a shifted timetable for the summer exhibition – last year they managed to squeeze it in over the winter, and this year it’s just started (normally it runs June-August). I think they’re intending that 2022 will be back to normal schedule.

Last year was curated by Grayson Perry and was quite joyous, rebellious. I found the general theme this year very optimistic, humorous and fun – Yinka Shonibare has curated an enjoyable, diverse array of works. The architecture room was back this year, which I confess I didn’t miss last year. Sadly, there was no return of the gin & tonic stand, which was, unsurprisingly, one of my favourite features. Perhaps next year.

Maybe it was my imagination, but the emphasis on sales of the works has increased – I guess the RA is trying to drum up extra cash, and of course they get a cut of all sales. I don’t mind a bit of commercialism with my art, that’s a fundamental aspect of art, after all!

Once again, I didn’t buy anything – there are things around £500 which I quite like, but not quite enough to justify it, and some things around £2000 which I really like, but couldn’t possibly justify in any sane world (note: I know we are not living in a sane world, but yet, I resist).