RCA Secret 2014 Revealed

Yesterday saw this year's RCA Secret postcards go on sale. I had thought about popping along to the exhibition in the morning but then I was kindly invited by a journalist friend, Miss Holly Howe, to the Christie's Post-War and Contemporary Art preview and brunch. And I'm not ashamed to say that I was a little seduced by the art, champaign, and truffle nibbles. It was then decided that the north side of the river probably held too many entertaining distractions (distractions that were to include a quick run round the Saatchi Gallery on the King's Road, watching the amazing Gravity in 3D at Soho House, and finally, drinks with friends in Clerkenwell) so we didn't venture to RCA's site in Battersea after all.
All I'll say is that I hope that all of you who queued for so long, managed to get at least one of your favourite postcards from your list.

So, now that the secret's out, regarding who made which postcard, I can reveal which from the show were mine. No great surprise, I'm sure, for anyone that knows any of my cards from previous years. This year however, I decided to give the sculptures and drawings a miss, and go for watercolours.

One of these three pieces was bought by a rather intrepid Mister Nick Lane, who (after failing to get my one sculptural postcard from last year – see image from previous post) spent a night camped out in the queue with the rest of the crazy gang. He assures me that despite the cold, it was a fun experience. I'll just have to take your word for that Nick.

RCA Secret Postcards 2014

Tomorrow sees the opening of this year's RCA Secret, or more correctly, the Stewarts Law RCA Secret, newly re-named in honour of the show's sponsor, the law firm Stewarts Law.

For those who don't know what the RCA Secret is, here's a brief run-down (lazily lifted from the RCA's own site):

“Stewarts Law RCA Secret is an exhibition and sale of original postcard-sized artworks, by internationally acclaimed artists plus up-and coming graduates from the Royal College of Art. It's your chance to get your hands on original works of art for a tiny price.

This year we’ll be presenting 2900 works by over 1,100 artists. We’ll be revealing the full lineup of artists when the exhibition opens on 13 March as well as images of all the postcards.

With generous contributions of new work from hundreds of artists and designers, Stewarts Law RCA Secret continues to help emerging artists at a formative stage in their careers.

Opening Times 
Exhibition open: Thursday 13 March to Friday 21 March 2014, 11am-6pm daily (late opening until 9pm on 20 March only)
Sale open: Saturday 22 March 2014, 8am-6pm.
Admission Free

Venue 
ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART BATTERSEA
Dyson Building, 1 Hester Road, London SW11 4AN

The Secret
Ever wondered if you could spot a Paula Rego at 20 paces? How about a David Bailey? Each postcard in Stewarts Law RCA Secret is signed only on the back, so Collectors don't know the identity of the artists until they have made their purchases.
Proceeds to Royal College of Art Fine Art Student Award Fund.
You must have a Collector's Number to purchase a card at Stewarts Law RCA Secret. Register HERE to get one.”

As with previous years, I will be participating in the show. Here's an image of one of my entries from last year; my most 3D RCA Secret postcard yet. For anyone that knows my work (and if you don't, then this image is a bit of a clue), I don't think that this year's pieces will be too difficult to spot. But if you do need another clue then all I'll say is 'watercolours'.

Now, I'm off to find me a sponsor. Next time you encounter me I hope to be going by the name The Tesco Wayne Chisnall.