The Royal Academy of Arts has secured a major coup for its 2027 programming, announcing a monumental solo exhibition dedicated to the work of Simone Leigh, the acclaimed American sculptor and recipient of the Golden Lion at the 2022 Venice Biennale. This highly anticipated show will fill the RA's main galleries, offering a comprehensive survey of her career.
A Celebrated Voice in Contemporary Art
Leigh's practice, which powerfully centres Black feminist thought and the histories of the African diaspora through sculpture, video, and installation, has garnered international acclaim. Her work is renowned for its masterful combination of materials like bronze, raffia, and ceramics, often referencing African art forms and architectural vernacular.
The 2027 exhibition is set to be one of the most significant contemporary art events in London that year, drawing on Leigh's groundbreaking presentation in the US Pavilion at Venice, which was widely hailed as a triumph.
Curatorial Vision and Expected Impact
While specific artworks are yet to be confirmed, the RA has indicated the show will trace the evolution of Leigh's practice, including her iconic sculptures that reimagine the female form. The exhibition is expected to attract a global audience, cementing London's status as a premier destination for world-class contemporary art.
This announcement continues the Royal Academy's commitment to presenting leading international artists, following in the footsteps of recent successful shows by figures such as Marina Abramović and Anish Kapoor.
