Rejects 2025

About

Now in its third year and previously featured in The Guardian and The Art Newspaper, REJECTS is back this July with a brand new line-up of artists and artworks that didn’t make it into the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Each year around 18,000 artists apply to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition but only about 1,500 make the cut, leaving a whole lot of talent that might otherwise go unseen.

Spanning painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, and mixed media, this unapologetically defiant exhibition champions brilliant works that were overlooked by the RA selection panel. Instead of fading into the background, these 'rejects' get the spotlight they deserve and Art Friend Gallery is here to celebrate them!

Housed in a bright, welcoming pop-up space in the heart of Stoke Newington, this year’s exhibition showcases a fresh line-up of emerging and established artists reclaiming their space on the summer art calendar. Expect a mix of bold statements, and thoughtful storytelling, from bright, joyful embroidered text to eerily beautiful abandoned buildings.

Whether you're an art collector or art curious, Art Friend welcomes everyone to the gallery. 

Private View: Thursday 3 July, 5–10pmJoin us for drinks, DJs, and a first look at this year’s REJECTS. 

Why REJECTS matters: REJECTS isn’t just an exhibition, it’s a movement. It highlights how much talent is out there and how many people face rejection on a daily basis, we have all been rejects once! So come join the club, route for the underdog and enjoy seeing what talent has been given a second chance. 

Venue: Stokey Pop-Up147 Stoke Newington High StreetLondon N16 0NY

Dates & Times: 3 – 13 July 2025Weekdays: 11am–6pmWeekends: 10am–6pm