March 15, 2013

RCA’s got a Secret

As the ‘RCA Secret’ celebrates its 20th year as one of London’s most popular art sales, we ask a few of our favourite RCA alumni fashion designers about their favourite artworks.

For nine days postcards of fresh artwork from some of the world’s leading international artists and designers are exhibited at the RCA, before the eclectic collection goes on sale in a one-day fine art extravaganza. With all the money raised going back into the college’s fund, the intention is clear: buy a piece of work by a famous artist today and help fund the famous artists of tomorrow. The ‘secret’ comes from the fact that the postcard works are signed on the back, so it’s only after purchase that you find out whether you’ve bought an original Tracey Emin or a new work by an as-yet unknown artist or student.

To mark the occasion, we asked a few of our favourite RCA alumni fashion designers what their all-time favourite artworks are, and why.

The RCA Secret exhibition is now open and the sale will take place on Saturday 23rd March, admission free.

secret.rca.ac.uk

Text: Declan Higgins
Images: Gilbert & George: Existers 1984. Lucian Freud: Irish Woman on a Bed 2004. Michael Kvium: Think Bigger 2008. Jake & Dinos Chapman: Zygotic acceleration, biogenetic, de-sublimated libidinal model 2005. Thomson & Craighead: BEACON 2005.

Astrid Andersen. Existers 1984, by Gilbert & George
“When this exhibition was on at The Tate it was one of the most powerful moments I have ever had with art. The scale of the images, the story and vibrancy was totally overwhelming. Their ability to tell important and personal messages using humour, society and self is something I admire a lot. I hadn’t studied them much before this exhibition actually but it truly inspired me and made me fall in love with London even more.” astridandersen.com

Cozette McCreery SIBLING & SISTER by SIBLING
“Well I’d have to be incredibly biased and say: Irish Woman On A Bed by Lucian Freud. Because it’s me… haha.” siblinglondon.com

Camilla Skovgaard. Think Bigger 2008, by Michael Kvium
“It’s fab – wish I could have it in a hall entrance. Looks like a melted scull cum insect. Oddly beautiful. I actually enquired for its price some time ago but need to sell far more shoes before I can splash that for a hall entrance. I have a couple of small sketches/paintings by Kvium – feet oriented naturally.” camillaskovgaard.com

Katie Eary. Zygotic acceleration, biogenetic, de-sublimated libidinal model 2005, by Jake & Dinos Chapman
“It’s really hard to pick one piece, my favourite all time exhibition was the ‘sensation’ exhibition at the Saatchi gallery. A real movement in the 90′s!!! If I HAD to choose, if it were a life and death decision on what my favourite piece was, I guess it would be the Jake and Dinos Chapman piece- ‘Zygotic acceleration, biogenetic, de-sublimated libidinal model’. I love it because it’s an incredibly clever idea. And it’s fun too! They constantly push the boundaries, and most importantly make you think.” katieeary.co.uk

Matthew Miller. BEACON 2005 by Thomson & Craighead
“This piece of Art, that totally blew my mind, was at the RCA when I saw it. It gave the internet touch, a feeling, a movement, a sound and a physical dimension. It made humans, feel human.” matthewmillermenswear.com

culture

RCA’s got a Secret

As the ‘RCA Secret’ celebrates its 20th year as one of London’s most popular art sales, we ask a few of our favourite RCA alumni fashion designers about their favourite artworks.

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