Royal Academy's Summer Exhibitions

I began by watching the 2011 show, hosted by Alistair Sooke. This was my first time being introduced to this event. My first thoughts on it consisted of questions such as how had I not heard of it before? It seemed so glitz and glam and like a really important event for the art world. Even as Sooke explained how the show worked and that members of the public could enter amazed me. It wasn't till I watched some more that I gained the understanding of how hard it really is for a member of public's work to be chosen, and when they were chosen they were displayed in a 'salon' style where you can't really view each work properly. I definitely felt the favouritism in this show between the professionals and the public's work. I was also left a bit disappointed with their views on keeping traditions and I understand that but in a world where expression is celebrated I felt they lacked it a bit in this episode.