Summer Exhibition 2023, The Royal Academy of Arts, London: 13 June-20 August 2023

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The Summer Exhibition is  bigger and better than ever this year as the Royal Academy of Arts celebrates 255 years of the annual art show.

British artist and Royal Academician, David Remfry, is  the coordinator for the highly anticipated 255th Summer Exhibition in 2023. Collaborating with a distinguished group of artists, the Summer Exhibition Committee  consists of renowned Royal Academicians such as Peter Barber, Eileen Cooper, Bill Jacklin, Katherine Jones, Tim Shaw, and Clare Woods. The committee is led by Rebecca Salter, the esteemed President of the Royal Academy.

For the upcoming Summer Exhibition, David Remfry RA has chosen the captivating theme of 'Only Connect,' drawing inspiration from the thought-provoking words of E. M. Forster in his novel Howards End. In the book, Forster writes, "Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its highest. Live in fragments no longer."

Elaborating on his chosen theme, Remfry says, "'Only Connect' can be interpreted in various ways, ranging from the simplicity of plugging in a socket to meeting a friend for a coffee, or even contemplating the intricate fabric of the entire cosmos. In Howards End, E. M. Forster's 1910 novel, the phrase 'Only Connect' symbolised the merging of the spiritual and the ordinary. In my interpretation, it signifies the connection between oneself and the entirety of existence. Almost a century later, in 2005, Zadie Smith wrote  'On Beauty', a brilliant and poignant modern retelling of the story. Both novels feature wise central characters who possess a deep understanding of their respective dysfunctional and unjust societies, emphasising the belief that human empathy and connection serve as the ultimate solution."

Remfry continues by quoting the influential American singer Nina Simone, who once said, "You can't help it. An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times." With this in mind, Remfry aims to create an exhibition that not only showcases exceptional artistic talent but also mirrors the current social and cultural landscape.

Installation view of the Summer Exhibition 2021 at the Royal Academy of Arts, London. Photo: © Royal Academy of Arts, London / David Parry
Installation view of the Summer Exhibition 2021 at the Royal Academy of Arts, London. Photo: © Royal Academy of Arts, London / David Parry

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