His self-portrait in a pool (as Gary Lineker looks on) makes the Summer Exhibition

Joe Lycett has again made the Royal Academy’s famed Summer Exhibition.

His work – I Drink A Crisp, Cold Beer In A Pool In Los Angeles While  Gary Lineker Looks On In Disgust – is going on display at the prestigious London gallery from next week.

Writing on Instagram, the comic said he was ‘delighted’ the piece had been chosen – especially as he presented the BBC programme Joe Lycett: Summer Exhibitionist about the event  last year.

He said: ‘I hosted the telly prog about it last year and it’s one of my favourite exhibitions, so full of inspiration and life, and I can’t wait to see it and for some sour old arts journo to describe it as a "waste of paper and paint".’

In 2018 Lycett successfully submitted a bust called Chris, made out of clay and a Pringles can – which he put a £12.5million price tag on.  Every year since his artwork has been rejected by the committee – until now.

Around 15,000 works are submitted each year,  with about 1,200 making it into the final show this year.

Lycett immediately got support for his new piece from fellow comic and artist Noel Fielding, who posted: ‘This is a beauty Joe.’

And fashion designer Patrick Grant added: ‘Move over David feckin Hockney. There a new poolboy in town.’

The exhibition – which also includes work by the likes of  Grayson Perry and the Singh Twins –  runs until August 20.

Published: 7 Jun 2023