Notable attendees turned out in celebration of the opening of the 257th RA Summer Exhibition …
A longstanding highlight of the London social calendar to raise essential funds for the Royal Academy and RA Schools, Britain’s oldest art school, this year’s event was co-chaired by actor Helena Bonham Carter, designer Rejina Pyo, Royal Academician and sculptor Conrad Shawcross, broadcaster Clara Amfo, and entrepreneur and arts patron Hikari Yokoyama. The Summer Exhibition is the world’s largest open submission contemporary art show which has taken place every year without interruption since 1769.
The event was held in the Main Galleries, with bespoke cocktails inspired by the House of Creed served in the VIP Lounge. Coordinator Farshid Moussavi RA, an internationally acclaimed architect, chose to explore the theme of ‘Dialogues’. She said; “The Summer Exhibition is dedicated to art’s capacity to forge dialogue, and to afford us sensitivity towards societal concerns such as ecology, survival and living together. These dialogues can be between people of different races, genders, cultures, or across different disciplines – art, science or politics, for example.” Bringing together leading figures across several disciplines and industries, including art and design, fashion, culture, business and technology, it’s the first chance to buy artworks, open to the public until August 17.
Click into the gallery to see some of the guests in attendance.
Photographer: Darren Gerrish
Do you know about a smart party, event or wedding happening soon? Email details to glossip@thegloss.ie