Carolyn Murphy has work in the Royal Academy (RA) Summer Exhibition 2023. ‘Below the Pike’ is a collagraph print inspired by Stoodley Pike in West Yorkshire and it’s on show in Gallery Five of this prestigious annual open exhibition. The original monument was erected high on the Pennines to mark the defeat of Napoleon. It was then rebuilt in 1856 after a lightning strike.
Carolyn is a keen walker and regularly walks in the Pennine hills. She is interested in human interventions in the landscape. This work reflects on layers of history and human exploitation of the area, which is now increasingly valued as an important natural habitat, following its industrial past. ‘Below the Pike’ is for sale via the Royal Academy in an edition of ten.
Encouraged by tutors to submit work to open calls and pursue all opportunities to exhibit, Carolyn entered for the first time this year and was successful. Each year around 15,000 people apply to show work alongside the Royal Academicians so competition is always fierce. David Remfry RA is the Summer Exhibition co-ordinator 2023 and his theme is Only Connect.
Carolyn explained, ‘I could not be more excited to have work included in the Summer Exhibition. It has been an ambition of mine for many years but I have not been brave enough to have a go until 2023! I’m planning to visit regularly to take in this huge and exciting show. The ‘Varnishing Day’ was a fabulous experience – a day to savour forever. It was amazing to meet other exhibitors and view the exhibition before it opens.’
The Summer Exhibition is open to the public from 13 June to 20 August 2023 – tickets are available from the Royal Academy.