RCA Secret 2010, London

Two rabbits stood either side of a box with one holding sign saying "Gallery Guide"
(Image credit: TBC)
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Spotting an Olafur Eliasson or Grayson Perry from among works by emerging artists or RCA graduates is harder than you might think - or so it would seem from this little selection. But that's exactly the point of the RCA Secret. You won't know who the artworks are by until you buy. So unless your eyes are trained enough to spot a Tracey Emin scribble, or you have intimate knowledge of the weird world of Jake Chapman, you're forced to choose on aesthetic merit alone. And even then, the artists might defy expectations.

Hundreds of artists, designers and illustrators have donated post-card sized artworks to this year's show - an annual tradition that has been running since 1994. Each piece costs a mere £45, but you won't see the name on the back until you've handed over the cash.

Other contributions this year come from the likes of Peter Blake, David Bailey, Ron Arad, Yinka Shonibare and even Manolo Blahnik. To see the full selection, visit the RCA website.

The one-day sale happens on the 20th November at the RCA, with proceeds going towards the RCA's Fine Art department. Postcards will be sold on a first come, first serve basis - so expect a fight.

Question mark painted with pink and blue splodges

(Image credit: TBC)

Orange 'GOOD' writing sign

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Black outline drawing of a man with coloured scribbles coming out stomach

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Black fabric with red stitches through it

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Abstract drawing using coloured pencils

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Black and white drawing of a building with an aerial coming out the roof

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Black and white drawing of a barn in a field

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Blurred painting of a teddy bear

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Abstract pen drawing of a ladies body

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Black and white sketch of men standing around a man laying down

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Drawing of a cat on a skateboard

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Two white cow head sculptures with ears crossed over

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Outline of hand with fabrics over

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Coloured painting of sponge stars and other shapes

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Drawing of a girl say on a rock

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Outline drawing of a creature with "dear lord, im sad and lonely" next to it

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Abstract coloured drawing of a horse

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Sketch of three black birds in a row

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Stick drawing of a house and three people stood outside

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Man and lady running naked

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Man leant over ropes in boxing ring

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Scribble of flowers, sun, bird and an eye

(Image credit: TBC)

Black and white abstract sketch of a lady

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Striped coloured piece of paper with white circle in the middle

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Black and brown abstract picture of symbol

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Painting of a lake and a cliff

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Brown sketch of a fence and some trees

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Black silhouette of two men stood next to each other

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White and grey drawing of a church next to a tree

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Pencil sketch of a ribbon

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Pink, black, blue and yellow painting

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Aerial view of a city square surrounded by buildings

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Leopard print chair

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Crayon flower drawing

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Red, blue and white abstract painting

(Image credit: TBC)

Blue painting of a teapot on a patterned background

(Image credit: TBC)

Coloured pencil check drawing

(Image credit: TBC)

Pencil drawing of a cat with flowers on its head

(Image credit: TBC)

ADDRESS

Royal College of Art
Kensington Gore
London SW7 2EU

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Malaika Byng

Malaika Byng is an editor, writer and consultant covering everything from architecture, design and ecology to art and craft. She was online editor for Wallpaper* magazine for three years and more recently editor of Crafts magazine, until she decided to go freelance in 2022. Based in London, she now writes for the Financial Times, Metropolis, Kinfolk and The Plant, among others. 

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