Following in the footsteps of Ai Weiwei and Anselm Kiefer, Antony Gormley will be the next artist to take over the Main Galleries with a series of works that test the scale and light of the RA’s architecture. The exhibition will explore Gormley’s wide-ranging use of organic, industrial and elemental materials over the years, including iron, steel, hand-beaten lead, seawater and clay. It will also bring to light rarely-seen early works from the 1970s and 1980s, some of which led to Gormley using his own body as a tool to create work, as well as a selection of his pocket sketchbooks and drawings. Throughout a series of experiential installations, some brand-new, some remade for the RA’s galleries, visitors are invited to slow down and become aware of their own bodies. Highlights include Clearing VII, an immersive ‘drawing in space’ made from kilometres of coiled, flexible metal which visitors find their own path through, and Lost Horizon I, 24 life-size cast iron figures set at different orientations on the walls, floor and ceiling – challenging our perception of which way is up.
The Academicians’ Room will be open during the VIP visit Wednesday morning with tea and coffee available to purchase. Frieze VIP’s will also be able to gain access during the run of the fair.
THE ACADEMICIANS’ ROOM
The Royal Academy’s very own private members’ club for artists and art lovers. The Academicians’ Room is a vibrant and relaxed haven in the heart of Mayfair designed by the renowned Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. A place where members can meet to share ideas, conversation, food, drinks and enjoy a full programme of events, this is a unique private members’ club that will bring you even closer to art. To find out more or to purchase a membership, please contact the membership team on 020 7300 5920 or academiciansroom@raarts.org.uk