Escape to myself

Kate and I took our usual annual visit to the RA. We usually have a great time and this year was no exception. We’re pretty sceptical and often play “zeitgeist bingo” which entails choosing a few themes we think will be well represented. This year it was “sheds”, “urban decay”, and “animals”. We were pretty successful, sheds were abundant.

In fact this year was better than last year; some excellent works. I really liked the updated Brueghel and the tiny but amusing “Gherkin Scream.” I really liked the statement on the politics of art and its gatekeepers.

Although I think I’m open to all types of art I sometimes find it difficult to engage intellectually and emotionally with aspects of some more conceptual art. The cost of some art on display and its almost corporate approach bears out the sentiments outlined in the previous painting. £60,000 for a painted dustbin, or £100, 000 for a group of rats (though I liked it) seem to smack of elitism. The collages of objects were interesting, reifying abstract concepts. Much work seems to be conceived as dressing for corporate receptions or museums than a domestic setting. It embodies a self fulfilling prophesy.

However there were works more accessible to more shallow pockets. All in all this was a good show with a lot of stimulating work on display exploring the richness of ideas and skill in the world of creativity. Photography was well represented.