Thoughts after visiting the RA Summer Exhibition

Had you visited the Summer Exhibition at the RA? Because it is the first time after 9 years living in the UK that I went (it didn’t catch my attention until now) and, let me tell you, it was exhausting (an art lover saying that, what is happening?).

I love how many non-professionals, emerging, even kids artists were on display alongside professional artists, sharing space in a well-known institution, with many different styles, techniques, and mediums. An explosion of creativity and art. You can like more or less the artworks but I’m up for that, bringing equality and inclusion in the art world.

But, also, I found overcrowded walls, the works don't breath (and the audience I would say, it is always packed). It is not an exhibition per se, although the rooms are curated by colour and theme related. It is more of a sale market in a fancy place where you can buy affordable and non-affordable art (for a working class and living crisis perspective this should be included). If you want to know more about the artwork or artists you better Google it, and you need to pay £22 for the entrance (£19 with discount).

Basically, I didn’t find how art challenges the people, different narratives, strong societal topics, the essence of it but just a pretentious vibe around. It would be there a next year visit?