Now on

Intrigue: James Ensor by Luc Tuymans

Until 29 January 2017

The theatrical, the satirical and the macabre come together in arresting fashion in the art of James Ensor. Curated by Luc Tuymans, this exhibition presents a truly original body of work, seen through the eyes of one of today’s leading painters.

Now on

John Gibson RA: A British Sculptor in Rome

Until 18 December 2016

Marking the 150th anniversary of his death, this exhibition shines a light on John Gibson RA, the most successful British sculptor of his generation, bringing together several pieces that would've been shown in his studio at the height of his career.

RA Recommends

Five of the best London archives

The RA archive is a treasure trove of stories, memories and recordings about art and artists from the past 250 years. In honour of Explore Your Archive week, we introduce some of its highlights and four more London archives to explore, holding everything from American performance art footage to rare Japanese prints.

Videos

Inside the show: James Ensor by Luc Tuymans

Take a look at some of the key works in ‘Intrigue: James Ensor by Luc Tuymans’ in four short videos.

Events

RA Lates: The 1898 Bal du Rat Mort

Saturday 10 December

7 – 11.45pm

For one night only, the RA’s Burlington House will be transformed into the surreal and carnivalesque world of James Ensor. With a unique line-up of performers, installations and musicians, we will recreate the macabre decadence of Montmartre and Ostend.

Events

In tune with Abstract Expressionism

Friday 9 December

Join the Royal College of Music’s Laefer Quartet for a unique concert inspired by the ‘Abstract Expressionism’ exhibition.

Events

Luc Tuymans in conversation with Adrian Locke

Wednesday 30 November

6.30 – 7.30pm

Luc Tuymans discusses his distinguished career as a contemporary painter, as well as his curation of the James Ensor exhibition, with Senior Curator Adrian Locke.

Family activity

How to make a drawing robot

Inspired by the Abstract Expressionist work of David Smith, this sculpture-inspired step-by-step activity is suitable for ages 5+ with adult supervision... Make it and show us your robot drawings!

RA Collection

How to read it: 'Salix' by Gillian Ayres RA

With the iconic works of Jackson Pollock in our galleries, we dig into the RA collection to look at the vast and vibrant work of a contemporary painter inspired by his wild canvases: Gillain Ayres RA.

Debate

Are utopian ideas good for architecture?

Cast your vote

Can utopian ideals help architects to build better futures? Or are these efforts doomed to be too rigid, over-simplified and suppressive? Ian Ritchie RA and Hugh Pearman go head to head – read both sides then cast your vote.

Now on

Art Sales: Surface Cutting

Until 20 February 2017

Eileen Cooper RA presents a diverse collection of works for sale by Royal Academicians including Grayson Perry, Eileen Cooper, Vanessa Jackson and Stephen Chambers alongside a number of invited artists.

Open submission

Pin Drop - Short Story Award 2017

Showcase your short fiction with the RA & Pin Drop Short Story Award. The award offers a unique platform for emerging and established writers to showcase their work at the Royal Academy of Arts, during a special event where the winning story will be announced and read aloud by a special guest. Submissions for 2017 are now open; entries must be submitted by 6pm, 28 February 2017.

As I see it

Antony Gormley: "We need art more than ever"

In our new series, artists reflect on art, life and lessons learnt. Here, Antony Gormley RA explains how he first found his subject, why the arts are vital in education and why he’s ashamed of Brexit.

The Opinion

“History of Art has never been more relevant than in 2016”

With art gallery attendance at record levels and global events putting pressure on cross-cultural understanding, History of Art is a more vital subject than ever. The decision to axe its A Level may be a sad sign of things to come, says guest columnist Professor Michael White.

Quiz

Which Abstract Expressionist are you?

The movement that dominated New York's art scene in the 1950s came with a pack of interesting characters... Take the quiz to find out if you're a jazzy Jackson Pollock or a mellow Mark Rothko.

RA Magazine

Six Academicians on the Abstract Expressionists

The power and complexity of Abstract Expressionist art lies in the diverse sensibilities of its artists. Here six Royal Academicians respond to some of the movement’s greatest painters.

RA Magazine

James Ensor: A man of many masks

The Belgian artist James Ensor painted life through the lens of the carnival, creating unsettling and often satirical works. Michael Prodger searches for the man behind these intriguing images.

RA Collection

How to read it: "the origins of the Corinthian order"

Currently on show in our ‘Origins’ display, Sir William Chambers’s beautiful 18th-century drawing tells an ancient story about the beginnings of architecture.

Academicians in Focus

Olwyn Bowey

3 November 2016 — 27 March 2017

Olwyn Bowey RA has devoted her career to the study of nature. Dynamic and rigorous, her vibrant and distinctive studies of potted plants and windblown trees are infused with the passion of an artist who works in isolation.

RA Magazine

Luc Tuymans: An agent provocateur

Belgium’s leading contemporary painter, who curates the RA’s James Ensor exhibition, tells Sam Phillips why it is time to reassess Ensor’s art.

Exhibitions

What’s coming up in 2017 at the Royal Academy of Arts

The RA’s Artistic Director introduces our 2017 exhibition programme, which explores some of the most momentous developments in 20th-century art.

Videos

How to… make a wood engraving, with Anne Desmet

In the first part of our new video series looking at artistic techniques, Anne Desmet RA demonstrates each step in creating a wood engraving, from tracing the original drawing through to printing a first proof.

RA Magazine

New York nights: the Manhattan of the Abstract Expressionists

New York’s legendary Cedar Tavern and the surrounding galleries became the hub of the New York art scene in the 1940s and ‘50s. Morgan Falconer walks the streets where reputations were on the line.

RA Collection

How to read it: John Gibson’s 'Cupid and Psyche'

So, the God of Love is chasing the soul in the Underworld… We take a look at how one of Britain’s most celebrated 19th-century sculptors tackled an ancient Roman tale in marble, as it goes on show in the Tennant Gallery.

Blog

Odd couples: Artists you never knew were friends

As we announce a show on the little-known relationship between two of modern art’s greatest masters, we take a look at the friendship between Dali and Duchamp, and five other artist pairs you would never have guessed.

Featured artist

Eileen Cooper RA

Keeper of the RA Schools and curator of the current Art Sales exhibition, 'Surface Cutting', Eileen Cooper was recently honoured with an invitation to the 2016 'Women of the Year' annual lunch. Her work, described as "magic realism", encompasses drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpting.

RA Magazine

Debate: Is originality in art overrated?

Should artists bow to tradition, or should they break all the rules? Martin Gayford and Richard Cork go head to head. Vote on the winner below.

RA Magazine

How I made it, by Rebecca Salter RA

Rebecca Salter RA talks about the “uncharted territory” of working in film for Picture the Light, her collaboration with the musician Max de Wardener.

RA Magazine

Paul Huxley RA: my days with the Abstract Expressionists

Delving into his own memories of New York’s Abstract Expressionist scene, Paul Huxley RA recounts dinner parties and road trips with the likes of Lee Krasner, Mark Rothko, Robert Motherwell and Helen Frankenthaler.

RA Magazine

Brian Catling RA’s imaginary studio

The ebullient, multimedia artist-poet Brian Catling RA is reluctant to identify his studio as a physical space, as Fiona Maddocks discovered when she met up with him in Oxford.

Now on

Thought of Train of Thought: Ron Arad RA

From 7 July 2016

Celebrated sculptor Ron Arad RA presents a monumental steel installation in St Pancras International station, which is now open to the public. It is the second public artwork in a four-year partnership between the RA and St Pancras International.

Inside the Academy

Tumblr: From the RA

Discover works from the RA's Collections

We've reached the half-way point on our quest to digitise 10,000 items from the Royal Academy of Arts' vast collections. Visit our Tumblr to discover drawings, sketches, prints, books, oddities and wonders, all revealed by RA staff and a team of volunteers.

Inside the Academy

Redeveloping the Royal Academy

For nearly 250 years, the RA has been a place to make, exhibit and debate art. For our anniversary in 2018 we are opening up the RA as never before, transforming our historic buildings – and inviting Friends and visitors old and new to celebrate with us.

Inside the Academy

The RA Schools

A school of contemporary fine art, right at the heart of the RA.

Friends of the RA

RA Art Tours Worldwide

These expert-led small-group tours, created by travel specialists Cox & Kings, focus on the art, architecture and archaeology of some of the world’s most fascinating destinations.