And when I say “date” I mean it in both the calendar and the “let’s meet” sense.
The Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition opens on 7th June and runs till 15th August. It’s described (admittedly by the RA itself) as:
An essential part of the London art calendar, The Royal Academy‘s Summer Exhibition is the largest open contemporary art exhibition in the world, drawing together a wide range of new and recent work by established, unknown and emerging artists.
If that sounds good to you, dear Reader, and you’ll be in London, perhaps we can go together?
I’m a “Friend” of the RA, which means I get in free and can sneak my mates in free with me. I try not to miss the Friends’ preview days for the Summer Exhibition, which this year are the 4th, 5th and 6th June.
You cannot fail to be enthralled with something there – painting, sculpture, architectural drawings or models.
I go without any preconceptions – there’s so much that’s new – but I’ll be happy to see any islands by Norman Ackroyd or any canyons or trees by David Hockney.
Still hesitating? Have a look at this gorilla made from coat hangers, or this sexy, funny, explosive, waxy, resinous, twisting redness.
You might end up also becoming an RA Friend, about which Stephen Fry says:
I do not think there is a more pleasurable or fulfilling thing to be than a Friend of the Royal Academy. I am passionate about the Royal Academy and think it stands for all the very best in British cultural life. There is nowhere else like it on earth.
I think he’s in love. But then perhaps I am a little too. Shall we make it a threesome?
Can I take you on your offer…I will be in Hitchin and London last week of June with my daughter. She is a great art buff and I love anything to do with arts–both performing and painting, photography etc.
Can I have your email or should I contact you through this blog?
Thanks..very excited.
Great. I’ll email you.
While I like the idea, always been uneasy about the semantics. Can one really be a “friend” of an institution. A bit like when you’re asked to “adopt” a panda.
I only wish I could join you. Thanks for the invite.
Me too.
The Gorilla is astounding—a fresh look at one of my favorite animals. Wonder how many hours the artist toiled to create this masterpiece.
Wish I could join you.
This sounds so good – wish I could make it! Will be looking forward to your blog posts about this exhibition!