London painter Anthony Eyton, who turned 103, is preparing to exhibit new works at the 258th Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, the world's oldest open-submission exhibition. A figurative painter and Royal Academician since 1976, Eyton has shown at Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and the Imperial War Museum. He continues to paint daily, finding satisfaction in the act of creation, and has embraced social media with his daughter Sarah, posting regularly on Instagram to reach a global audience.
Eyton's story challenges assumptions about aging and creativity, demonstrating that artistic drive can persist well past a century. His participation in the Summer Exhibition underscores the Royal Academy's tradition of showcasing both established and emerging artists. By actively using Instagram, Eyton also highlights how older artists can adapt to new platforms to expand their audience and maintain relevance in the contemporary art world.