It’s always fun to see the work chosen by the RA judges and almost impossible to identify a theme. However, I did notice that many unusual materials had been employed by artists and I was heartened to see that several works on or of paper were included. And quite a few examples of collage, which always pleases me. So that’s the focus of my short review this year.

Above are some of my selected paper pieces. I was very taken by the collaged encyclopaedia made by Alison Stockman who cut out prints in the pages and made a very original artowrk. On the right is a very charming, beguilingly simple piece by Holly Frean called Four Nuns. I like the witty simplicity of them. And below is a very strong paper collage by Peter Freeth RA entitled Common Ground.

Above are another three paper-based pieces. The ship is a spectacular model created by Richard Wilson RA, The Observer book of dogs, deconstructed by Laura Beaumont and some very delicate vessel, Teacup Murmuration, made from sticky brown paper by Joanna Kori.

Just a selection of the pieces which caught my eye. Too many to name individually though I liked Jim Moir’s birds design and Chris Orr’s hectic Talent Night painting. Just go along to the Royal Academy and enjoy the show. It’s on until 18th August 2024.