Top picks and review of the RPS Annual Open Exhibition 2023
I’m not going to lie, after fluking a prime spot in this prestigious show with my self portrait last year, I was gutted not to make the 2023 cut.
It’s a fantastic show, with lots of amazing original work, far from the madding AI crowd…
The Establishment
Impressive recent work by these artists who are some of the ‘grandees’ of the RP. All big names in the portraiture world, I find it very inspiring that they are still grafting, still growing.
Work I wish I’d done
My primary reason for attending is to get inspiration. Much of the work gives me new ideas. These pieces jumped out at me as resonating with my own practice. They all have a direct, monolithic quality, using posture as a key component. I was fascinated to see the effect Emma Hopkins achieved using polyester as a substrate. Also, there was a refreshing dearth of ‘stuffed shirts’ this year, in fact a dearth of shirts full stop!
My favourite patch
I liked ‘the hang’. This area really stood out for me, densely packed with absolute corkers!
Clockwise from top right: Toby Wiggins RP, Mustafa Ozel, Lucy Stopford, Robin-Lee Hall PPRP, Mette Lorentzen
Recommendations
There is a process whereby RP members can put forward artists for inclusion in the show, as an alternative route to the open call submission. I particularly love that Miriam Escofet RP chose to champion Joshua Donkor. As Joshua’s technique and exposure both build (happening VERY quickly) I see parallels in the level of realism, paint application, and compositional choices they both make.
Egg Tempera
Not a medium I’ve used, but I find myself starting to appreciate it more. It is nice to see a new kid on the block using this ancient technique - if it’s good enough for Annigoni…
Love at first sight
My attraction to this trio stemmed initially from technical respect. Having met them, and found out more about their process, philosopy, and bodies of work, I have to say they are my absolute stars of the show. If you only check out three artists after this blog (see links at the end), I commend you these, as worth investing your attention on.
Good company
It is always lovely to visit shows with friends, to compare your responses. My experience was great enhanced through the eyes of artists Yvadne Davis (seen here flanked between Wendy Barratt’s beautiful painting ‘Grief’ and Tania Rivilis’ ‘An endless summer afternoon’) and my ‘Art Husband’ Dave Cooke - seen here trying to fathom out HOW Francis Bell works her paint magic!
Overall
It is a huge accolade for non-member artists to be included, to the extent that even being shortlisted is celebrated openly on social media.
The standard of work is incredibly high, and I had no WTF moments this time. It is concentrated creative fuel for artists, and great research if you want to commission a portrait.
Given this, I think it warrants a ‘Salon de Refuses’, perhaps in a Russell Group university city outside London.
After the difficult Covid years, I’m guessing this annual event has benefitted in footfall and profile from the coronation, and from not having to compete with the National Portrait Gallery’s BP award. The very personable Annabel Elton (head of commissions for the society) is on hand in the gallery throughout the show. See Royal Portrait Society exhibition website for information and a full listing of this and previous shows.
Highly recommended to go in person if you get the chance, It’s only open until Saturday 13th May, in The Mall Galleries, London.
To see more work by the artists mentioned, visit their websites: