A wall of artworks in Gallery I at the RA Summer Exhibition, featuring works by Lucy Marks ARWS and Shanti Panchal Hon. RWS
With only a few weeks left, we paid a visit to the RA Summer Exhibition which this year has been co-ordinated by world renowned painter and RWS artist, David Remfry.
We caught up with David to ask him a few questions about his inspiration behind the title, Only Connect, and his advice to those applying to art open calls.
Left: Artworks in Gallery IX including by Samuel de Gunzburg
Right: Artworks in Gallery III including by Caragh Thuring
Tell us about Only Connect. What inspired you to choose this year's Summer Exhibition theme?
I chose the title, Only Connect, from the novel Howard's End by E.M. Forster because despite our ability to be in touch with each other anywhere at any time, we seem more fractured and isolated than ever before.
A wall of artworks in Gallery VI at the RA Summer Exhibition, featuring work by Martin Leman RWS
How did you find selecting the work for the Summer Exhibition from the thousands of entries that were submitted?
We had a record number of entries this year to the Summer Exhibition. The only way in which we can select is by an immediate reaction to the works. It's not quite so difficult as you might think. You see something that has a spark almost instantly.
Artworks in Gallery IX at the RA Summer Exhibition, featuring work by Bobbye Fermie
What would be your advice for anyone considering applying for the RA Summer Exhibition or any other art open call?
My advice for anyone applying for the Summer Exhibition or any other open call would be to make sure you have really good photography (of the work) and a good simple frame. No ornate frames, no white borders. Just keep it simple.
Left: Soft by Daisy Jarrett displayed in Gallery V
Right: Indoor Cosmology by David Remfry RA RWS displayed in Gallery III
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, Only Connect, continues until 20th August at the Royal Academy of Art.
RWS Members exhibiting this year include: June Berry, Christie Bird, David Brayne (Hon. Retired RWS) Caroline Cornelius, John Duffin, Mark Entwisle, Wendy Jacob, Jill Leman, Martin Leman, Lucy Marks, Bridget Moore, Olivia O'Sullivan, Shanti Panchal (Hon. RWS), David Remfry RA, Richard Sorrell, Gertie Young.
August 7, 2023
