The Studio Lightspeed oil on canvas portrait of the Conservative member of Parliament Jacob Rees-Mogg is currently hung at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition in London’s Piccadilly.
On the 4th June 2018 on varnishing day, Royal Academy president, Christopher Le Brun addressed the assembled artists, professionals, RA members and amateurs alike.
Hung in a room curated by Grayson Perry, the Academy notes:
Hanging gallery 3 is acknowledged by the Academicians to be the single most challenging task of the Summer Exhibition. Grayson Perry had no preconceived idea for this room. However, it was always his intention to include the work of his fellow Academicians along side a wide selection of works from the open submission.
This year the cap on entries was lifted and the committee viewed 20,000 works, a feat of endurance spearheaded by the indefatigable Perry. The fruits of their labour can be seen here, with well-know international names hanging along-side emerging artists.
The large red painting of the red tree by Tony Bevan RA was Perry’s starting point for the end wall. He surrounded it with works that focus loosely on current affairs, although he was keen to ensure that, despite the political theme, the selection ‘did not take itself too seriously’. The gallery’s walls, for which Perry chose a vivid yellow, have become a glorious and colourful patchwork.
Held without interruption since 1769 with past contributors including Constable, Turner and Winston Churchill, this, the 250th show includes works from Grayson Perry, Banksy, Tracey Emin and David Hockney.
The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition will be open to the public from 12th June until 19th August. Tickets can be purchased here.
Studio Lightspeed 
What sort of person is Mogg? A dangerous extremist or Walter the Softy?
A true English patriot, that’s what.