Illustration lecturer exhibits work at the Royal Academy of Arts

Matt Morgan, a lecturer in Illustration at the University of South Wales, has had his artwork selected for this year’s Royal Academy of Arts summer exhibition, alongside some of the world’s most successful artists.

The co-ordinator of the 2023 summer exhibition is renowned British painter David Remfry, who explores the theme Only Connect, taken from the famous quote in Howards End by EM Forster.

Among the 1,614 featured works in the exhibition are towering sculptures by the late Phyllida Barlow, Richard Malone’s dramatic mobile installation, and a witty painting by comedian Joe Lycett, as well as pieces by Tracey Emin, Hew Locke, Barbara Walker, Gavin Turk and many more.

Matt, who this year has entered his work to the RA summer exhibition for the first time, chose a colour pencil drawing called His Touch, created from a live session with two male models.

He said: “The drawing comments on ideas of masculinity and explores the tender connection between the two models. My work is mainly figurative drawings that explore identity and portraiture through observational life drawings made on paper, offering a window and perspective on queer identity, culture and masculinity.

“I saw the theme for this year’s summer exhibition and thought that the drawings I was currently making fitted well with the theme of Only Connect. I thought, why not give it a go, so I entered one of my drawings that had a strong feeling of connection between the subjects.

“I didn’t expect to get shortlisted from the first round of online judging, so when I had the email telling me that I had been shortlisted, I was surprised and excited to have made it that far. They then asked me to deliver the artwork to the Royal Academy for the final round of judging. After a tense few weeks’ wait, I had the email telling me that I had been selected for the summer exhibition, and was over the moon knowing that my work would be on display in the Royal Academy of Arts.

“It’s been a fantastic experience all the way through, from delivering the work to the RA right to Varnishing Day and the private view. Varnishing Day was a particular highlight for me, as the day was filled with tradition and ceremony dating back to 1769. It refers to the days when the artists in the summer exhibition would varnish their paintings before the exhibition was opened to the public.

“The day starts with the artists gathering in the courtyard of the Royal Academy, followed by an artist procession through Piccadilly to St James’ Church. At the head of the procession is a steel band, closely followed by members of the clergy hoisting aloft a cross. A full service follows – a blessing of all involved – accompanied by hymns, readings, a choral recital and a sermon. At the close of the service, everyone heads back to the Royal Academy to view their work.

“To be exhibited in the same show as renowned artists was surreal, and the gallery is such an amazing space; the rooms are very grand and imposing. So, seeing my work in that space, knowing the whole history of the institution and the artists that have exhibited in the space before, was a very profound experience and one I will remember for a very long time.

“It’s also very special for me be exhibiting my work during Pride Month. It gives me an immense sense of pride – not only in my work, but also in the themes explored in my drawing – to see my piece promoting a tender and sensitive connection between a same sex couple, hanging alongside the work of other artists.”

The summer exhibition runs until 20 August at the Royal Academy of Arts in Piccadilly, London. For more information,  visit the RA website.