At Txengo Studio, We’re Celebrating Art That Inspires
We are thrilled to share that one of our featured artists, James Seow, has been selected for the prestigious Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2024! The RA Summer Exhibition is a landmark event that brings together emerging and established artists, showcasing diverse and inspiring works. In this post, we dive into James Seow's creative journey and the story behind their selected work, Morning Mist II.
Exploring Morning Mist II
Interviewer: Congratulations on being selected for the RA Summer Exhibition 2024! Can you tell us about the work you submitted?
Artist: Thank you! I’m incredibly excited. This year, I submitted Morning Mist II, a digital collage inspired by gardens and parks. The piece explores the tension between natural landscapes and urban development, a theme I’ve been passionate about for a few years.
It’s a photomontage created from photographs taken during my daily walks in East London. The imagery is arranged within a bonsai tray, blending urban green spaces with traditional notions of cultivated nature. I hope this work sparks curiosity and invites viewers to reflect on the wild beauty that flourishes within our urban environments.
Morning Mist II at the Summer Exhibition 2024
James's Studio
Why the RA Summer Exhibition Matters
Interviewer: What drew you to apply for the RA Summer Exhibition?
Artist: The RA Summer Exhibition has such a rich history — it’s been held annually since 1769, making it one of the longest-running art exhibitions in the world. It’s a place where emerging and established artists can come together, and being part of this community is a huge honour.
With around 150,000 to 200,000 visitors each year, it’s a fantastic opportunity to share my work with a broader audience and exhibit alongside artists I deeply admire.
Summer Exhibition 2024
The Inspiration and Creative Process
Interviewer: Your work blends modern and traditional influences. Can you share more about your inspiration and process?
Artist: Absolutely! My work is inspired by the interplay between past and present. I draw from Eastern art forms like bonsai and ikebana, which emphasize balance and harmony, and blend those with Western traditions like still-life compositions and romantic landscape painting.
This fusion reflects my transnational identity and helps bridge different cultural perspectives. The process allows me to create pieces that are rooted in tradition while speaking to contemporary themes.
What We Love About This Work
At Txengo Studio, we’re drawn to art that sparks dialogue, and Morning Mist II does exactly that. It challenges our perception of nature and urban spaces, encouraging us to see beauty in unexpected places. We love how James Seow invites us to explore the wildness within structured environments — a concept that resonates deeply in today’s world.
James Seow
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Interviewer: What advice do you have for artists considering the RA Summer Exhibition?
Artist: Go for it! The process might feel daunting, but it’s a fantastic chance to reach new audiences. Here are a few tips:
Start early to refine your work.
Pay attention to details like high-quality photos for submissions.
Don’t fear rejection — it happens to everyone. Each submission is a learning experience.
Visiting the exhibition and studying the selected works can provide great insights for future applications.
Key Dates for RA Summer Exhibition 2025
Thinking of applying for next year’s RA Summer Exhibition? Here are some important dates:
Exhibition Dates: 17 June – 17 August 2025
Digital Submissions Open: Early January
Submission Deadline: Early February
Judging Results: End of March
Delivery of Shortlisted Works: Second week of May
Final Results: End of May
Keep an eye on the Royal Academy website for updates and exact deadlines!
What’s Next for James Seow?
Interviewer: What’s next for you after the Summer Exhibition?
Artist: I’m working on a project creating ceramic pieces inspired by my Morning Mist series and the art of bonsai. It’s an exciting exploration of ceramics and nature — blending gardening with sculpture to create small, living artworks. I can’t wait to see how this project evolves!
Explore and Collect James Seow’s Work
We’re honoured to support artists like James Seow who challenge and inspire us. Explore James’s available works https://jamesseow.co.uk/ or visit our art store https://www.txengo.com/store/untamed-i to see more.
