Sarah’s Weblog

Well Sunday brought me to the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts (http://www.royalacademy.org.uk).  Having been last year for the first time, this year I was eagerly awaiting.

With several of my favourites there, such as Boo Ritson and Jeff Koons exhibiting could this out-perform last year?  Unfortunately I have to say no. 

I love walking up the stairs into the first room, not knowing what is going to be in the several rooms beyond the door.  The first room was full of interesting pieces, I had my pen circling the catalogue before long so I could look up the artists at home.  However, after this I found the rooms crammed with submissions from floor to the ceiling.  I completely understand them trying to get as many works on show but I found myself with a sore neck at the end of it.  Did anybody else experience this?

The Jeff Koons broken egg shell did redeem it but I had one gripe with it, the light! It was in a bit of a drab and uninspiring room, had it been in a light filled room I can imagine the light hitting all edges of the egg shell creating a much more vibrant experience.  Having said that it was an amazing piece regardless.

My favourite piece of the exhibition is Boo Ritson’s Aim.  Very simple with bold lines which I really aspire to.  Having two of her pieces at the exhibition definitely made it for me.

And what about Tracy Emin? Well not too much to say about that to be honest, did not like it one bit and found that it was just being used to make a statement.

Ok, so enough of my moans, I must say that it was an excellent and inexpensive day out which I would thoroughly recommend.  Even with the negatives bits, the Royal Academy put on a fabulous show and should be congratulated for that. I shall be returning again next year without fail, hopefully have my own piece there if I am lucky.

I would love to hear anyone else’s comments on the show, and what your favourite pieces were.