The 2025 Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy opens on 17th June. I always enjoy the chance to attend the press preview and wander around the huge gallery space surveying the ‘pick and mix’ of art on show. The curators’ theme of ‘dialogue’ is apparent and illustrated by whole spaces devoted to certain topics or themes. However, I tend to prefer the walls which contain a random selection of art and see how they ‘jostle’ with each other to attract the viewer’s attention.

Above: Turning and Static by Stephen Cooper, Before the Rally, Jim Dine HON RA and Japanese Records and Responses No. I by Susan Marston.

I’m always keen to spot works on paper, using paper or mixed media. I didn’t see as many examples this year but it’s a pleasure to come across imaginative use of paper and print.

Fun to see work made by friends. On the left is Francesca Simon’s abstract: Goaf Transition and on the right is We Can be Heroes by Helen David made with felt and beads.

I enjoyed the lively narrative landscape by Chris or, the crazy cat map by Adam Dant and two cheerful pictures of the back door by Anthony Eyton RA.

Above: Top left The Drummer Boy Modupeola Fadugba, Song Thrush by Humphrey Ocean, Curio XI by Alison Atkins Bottom left: Kings Cross Interior II Jeanette Barnes, Trace by Holly Schofield and a very bright landscape by Andreas Ruethi called La La Landscape (Coullioure)

And finally, a very entertaining paper sculpture by Jane Hewitt named Dialogue with God, made of a recycled hymnal.

As ever, there is much to see, much to ponder and also entertain. Let’s hope all the artists find new homes for their pieces.

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