Lambeth Academy student to exhibit at Royal Academy summer show

A talented young artist has beaten thousands of other applicants to win a sought-after spot in one of the country’s most prestigious exhibitions.

Imani Brieussel Dickson, pictured above, is celebrating after her artwork was selected for the Royal Academy of Arts’ prestigious Young Artists’ summer show.

The Year 8 student at Lambeth Academy, in Elms Road, Clapham Common, was among thousands aged five to 19 across the country who submitted their work to be exhibited online and on-site at the Royal Academy of Arts.

To enter the competition, pupils, their teacher or their parent must submit a photo of the artwork they have created online

These submitted pieces are then put before a judging panel of art experts, who have the difficult task of selecting the stand-out works that will go on to feature in the exhibition.

To win her place in this year’s competition, Imani submitted a photograph entitled Diversity.

She said: “My art piece is a photograph of my feet in my skin matching pointe shoes that I took with the self-timer on my mum’s SLR camera.

“The matching brown skins ballet shoes only came out in 2018 and I think it represents the development in which opportunities have opened for all in the world of ballet.

“I have been dancing since I was three years old – my first lessons were actually in Lambeth Academy.

“I want to be a dancer, artist and photographer. I am so proud my work got selected as it is important to spread awareness of differences and diversity within culture and art.”

Lydia Smyth, head of Art at Lambeth Academy, said: “I am delighted for Imani on being selected for such a prestigious student exhibition, recognising her amazing potential as an artist.

“It would not have been possible if not for the incredible support of Imani’s mum, and for all the other parents who also encouraged their children to take part.

“The great strength of our school community is the partnership we aim to build with parents and families to bring out the best in our young people. I feel we need that sense of community now more than ever.”

Leon Wilson, executive principal at Lambeth Academy, said: “On behalf of everyone at Lambeth Academy, I would like to congratulate Imani on this fantastic achievement.

“She is a talented young artist and, through her photography, has sought to make a meaningful comment on the world around us. Her piece Diversity is an excellent example of this.

“We are hugely proud of our students and our school community and, during these challenging times, it remains important that we celebrate our achievements and successes.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing Imani’s artwork on display online next month and then in person when we are able to later in the year.”

The online exhibition is set to launch on July 12, while the on-site exhibition is scheduled to take place in the autumn term.