Young Isle Of Wight Artist’s Work Chosen For Royal Academy Exhibition

Twelve-year-old Ollie Jackman, a student at The Island Free School, has achieved national recognition after his painting was selected for the Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists’ Summer Show 2025.

Ollie’s piece was one of just 264 artworks chosen from over 24,000 entries submitted by young people aged 4–19 from across the UK. The annual exhibition, hosted by the prestigious Royal Academy in London, celebrates creativity and originality in young artists.

Ollie attended the official opening of the exhibition in London this weekend, where he saw his work on display alongside other exceptional pieces created by young people from across the country.

“This has been an amazing experience,” he said. “I never imagined my artwork would be exhibited in such a prestigious gallery.”

The exhibition is open to the public and runs this summer at the Royal Academy of Arts, offering visitors a chance to see the incredible talent and imagination of the UK’s next generation of artists.

The exhibition can also be viewed at https://youngartists.royalacademy.org.uk/