RA Summer Exhibition 2026: Less Awful, Still Full of Cats and Cars on Fire
The Royal Academy of Arts in London has opened its 2026 Summer Exhibition, coordinated by conceptual artist Ryan Gander. Gander introduced strangeness to the historic open submission show, including a Bowie karaoke video in a cupboard-like room. The exhibition features works by Michael Craig-Martin, Bob and Roberta Smith, Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley, and Sean Scully. Notable pieces include Harry Hill's paintings of cars on fire, David Gamble's self-portrait, and Harriet Porter's serene silver pot. The show is open to amateurs alongside famous artists, and all works are for sale.
Key facts
- Ryan Gander coordinated the 2026 RA Summer Exhibition.
- The exhibition includes a Bowie karaoke video in a small room.
- Harry Hill contributed two paintings of cars on fire.
- David Gamble's self-portrait is described as thick and gloopy.
- Harriet Porter's painting of a silver pot is praised as serene.
- Tracey Emin contributed a large nude painting.
- Antony Gormley's structure is a model of himself to enter.
- All works in the exhibition are for sale.
Entities
Artists
- Ryan Gander
- Michael Craig-Martin
- Bob and Roberta Smith
- Tracey Emin
- Antony Gormley
- Sean Scully
- Harry Hill
- David Gamble
- Harriet Porter
- Katherine Jones
- Humphrey Ocean
- Goshka Macuga
- Eileen Cooper
- Louis Loveless
- Jill Feld
- Peter Wylie
- Gray Wielebinski
- Alison Friend
- Glen Pudvine
Institutions
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom