Art on a Postcard 2024 – My Experience at the 10th Anniversary Charity Auction

Only a few months after exhibiting at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2024, I received an email that led to one of the most rewarding experiences of my year.

I was invited by Gemma Peppé, Founder and Director of Art on a Postcard, to contribute to the project's 10th Anniversary Auction, an event bringing together internationally recognised and emerging contemporary artists in support of The Hepatitis C Trust.

Unlike a traditional exhibition or an open call, this invitation carried a personal significance.

It represented an opportunity to contribute to a charitable initiative where contemporary art becomes a direct means of supporting an important social cause.

My participation involved two paintings from my ongoing Seeds series, both of which were exhibited during the preview exhibition at Gathering London before being successfully sold during the charity auction.

What is Art on a Postcard?

Founded in 2014, Art on a Postcard is one of the United Kingdom's best-known charity art initiatives.

Its concept is remarkably simple.

Artists are invited to create original postcard-sized artworks, which are exhibited publicly before being auctioned to raise funds for The Hepatitis C Trust, a charity dedicated to eliminating hepatitis C through education, testing, prevention and access to treatment.

Over the past decade, the project has brought together hundreds of internationally recognised artists while raising more than £2 million for charity.

Its success demonstrates how contemporary art can extend beyond galleries and museums, creating meaningful social impact through collecting and philanthropy.

An Unexpected Invitation

Following my participation in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2024, I received an invitation from Gemma Peppé to participate in the tenth anniversary edition of Art on a Postcard.

Together with the invitation came the project brief, outlining the required artwork format, submission guidelines, shipping instructions and exhibition schedule.

Everything was clearly organised and professionally communicated.

After carefully reading the brief, I prepared two paintings from my Seeds series and arranged their shipment to London according to the organisers' instructions.

Like every international exhibition, successful participation begins long before the opening night.

Preparation, attention to detail and respecting deadlines are all part of professional artistic practice.

The Seeds Series

For this exhibition, I chose two works from my ongoing Seeds series.

Developed over several years alongside my larger paintings, the series explores how small-scale works can possess the same conceptual depth and emotional intensity as monumental paintings.

Rather than treating these works as studies or sketches, I approach each painting as a complete and independent artwork.

Working within a reduced format demands precision.

Every mark matters.

Every compositional decision becomes more visible.

Looking back, I believe this approach resonated naturally with the philosophy of Art on a Postcard, where every participating artist works within the same intimate scale.

Preparing the Journey to London

Once the paintings were completed, they began a different stage of their journey.

They left my studio in Romania and travelled to London, where they would become part of one of the UK's most respected charity art events.

Every international shipment brings a certain anticipation.

The creative process may be finished, but the practical responsibility of ensuring that each artwork arrives safely remains entirely with the artist.

Fortunately, both paintings reached London successfully and were prepared for the preview exhibition at Gathering London.

Receiving the invitation was only the beginning. The preview exhibition brought together hundreds of postcard-sized artworks created by artists from around the world, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the collection before the charity auction officially began.

Preparing the Paintings

After receiving the invitation and carefully reading the project brief, I began preparing the two paintings that would represent my Seeds series at the Art on a Postcard 10th Anniversary Auction.

Although the format was small, I approached the project with exactly the same level of attention that I give to my larger works.

Every detail mattered—from the final surface of the paintings to their documentation, packaging and international shipment.

Professional exhibitions begin long before the opening night.

They begin with careful preparation.

Sending the Paintings to London

Once the paintings were completed, I prepared them for shipment to London according to the instructions provided by the Art on a Postcard team.

International shipping is always one of the less visible aspects of an artist's practice.

Every work must arrive safely, on time and in perfect condition.

Like many independent artists exhibiting abroad, I was personally responsible for organising this stage of the process.

Fortunately, both paintings arrived safely and were ready to be included in the anniversary exhibition.

For me, there is always a particular moment when a painting leaves the studio.

From that point onward, it begins its own journey.

Gathering London

The preview exhibition took place at Gathering London, a contemporary exhibition space that hosted the 10th Anniversary Art on a Postcard Exhibition before the online charity auction officially began.

For several days, visitors were able to experience every artwork in person before deciding whether to participate in the auction.

This creates a very different atmosphere from a traditional exhibition.

Visitors are not simply viewing paintings.

They are discovering works that may soon become part of their own collections while simultaneously supporting an important charitable cause.

The relationship between artist, collector and artwork becomes much more immediate.

Celebrating Ten Years

The 2024 edition marked an important milestone for Art on a Postcard.

The project celebrated ten years of bringing together artists and collectors while supporting The Hepatitis C Trust.

Since its foundation in 2014, Art on a Postcard has raised more than £2 million for the charity and has become one of the UK's best-known charity art initiatives.

The anniversary exhibition brought together 237 artists, representing an impressive range of generations, artistic practices and international backgrounds.

Being invited to contribute to this special edition made the experience even more meaningful.

Exhibiting Alongside International Artists

One of the most rewarding aspects of the exhibition was seeing my work presented alongside paintings by internationally recognised contemporary artists.

The anniversary auction featured works by artists including Damien Hirst, Marina Abramović, Sir Peter Blake, Grayson Perry, Michael Craig-Martin, Lubaina Himid, Andrew Cranston and many others, together with invited and emerging contemporary artists.

For me, the importance of this context was never about comparison.

It was about participating in the same conversation.

Every artwork shared the same format.

Every artist contributed to the same charitable purpose.

The exhibition created a unique sense of equality where reputation became secondary to the artwork itself.

The Seeds Series in a New Context

Until that moment, the Seeds series had developed quietly alongside my larger paintings.

Art on a Postcard offered an entirely new perspective.

Within an exhibition where every artist worked at exactly the same scale, attention shifted completely toward image, composition and visual language.

The reduced format encouraged slower looking.

Visitors spent time moving from one work to another, discovering remarkable differences despite the identical dimensions.

Seeing my paintings within this environment confirmed that the series could successfully communicate beyond the context in which it had originally been created.

A Different Kind of Exhibition

Unlike many exhibitions where the primary goal is simply to present artworks, Art on a Postcard creates something much broader.

It brings together artists, collectors, visitors and a charitable organisation within a single event.

The exhibition, the auction and the fundraising effort become inseparable.

That combination gives the project a distinctive identity.

Rather than existing solely within the contemporary art world, it demonstrates how artistic practice can engage directly with wider social issues while remaining true to its creative purpose.

As the preview exhibition came to an end, the focus naturally shifted towards the charity auction itself. The paintings had left the studio, travelled across Europe and become part of an international exhibition celebrating ten years of Art on a Postcard. The next stage would determine where they would continue their journey.

The Charity Auction

Following the preview exhibition at Gathering London, the next stage of the project began.

The artworks became part of the Art on a Postcard 10th Anniversary Auction, where collectors could bid online over several days.

Unlike a conventional gallery exhibition, this was the moment when the paintings would begin a completely new chapter.

Each bid represented more than commercial interest.

It was also a contribution to the work of The Hepatitis C Trust, reinforcing the idea that collecting contemporary art could directly support an important charitable cause.

Both Paintings Found New Homes

One of the most rewarding moments of the experience came when I learned that both paintings from my Seeds series had been successfully sold during the charity auction.

For every artist, it is satisfying to know that a painting has found someone who wishes to live with it.

In this case, however, the feeling was different.

The paintings did not simply enter private collections.

Their sale also contributed to raising funds for a project whose purpose extends far beyond the art world.

Knowing that these small works could simultaneously become part of new collections while supporting an important charitable initiative made the experience especially meaningful.

Beyond the Sale

Although artists naturally appreciate when their work is acquired, I have never measured the value of an exhibition solely by sales.

Looking back, what remains most important is the invitation itself, the opportunity to participate and the people I met through the project.

Being invited by Gemma Peppé to contribute to the tenth anniversary edition of Art on a Postcard represented an important moment in my international artistic journey.

It demonstrated that opportunities often emerge through relationships built over time and through consistently presenting one's work in professional contexts.

A Different Relationship Between Artists and Collectors

One aspect that distinguishes Art on a Postcard from many traditional exhibitions is the relationship it creates between artists and collectors.

Every artwork begins the auction under the same conditions.

The established names and the emerging artists all work within the same postcard format.

Collectors are encouraged to respond to the artwork itself rather than its physical scale.

I find this approach refreshing.

It reminds us that the strength of a painting is determined by its ideas, its visual language and its emotional impact—not by its dimensions.

The Seeds Series Continues

The invitation to Art on a Postcard also reinforced my commitment to continuing the Seeds series.

For many years, these small paintings have developed alongside my larger works, exploring similar themes through a much more intimate format.

Participating in the anniversary exhibition confirmed that the series could exist comfortably within an international context.

The works communicated naturally with collectors and visitors despite their modest scale.

That experience encouraged me to continue expanding the project as an essential part of my artistic practice.

Looking Back

When I think about Art on a Postcard today, I do not immediately remember the auction itself.

I remember the invitation.

The carefully organised exhibition.

The atmosphere at Gathering London.

The generosity of the project.

And the idea that contemporary art can become part of something larger than itself.

Those memories remain far more valuable than any individual result.

More Than an Exhibition

Every international project teaches something different.

The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition reminded me of the importance of tradition and institutional excellence.

The London Art Biennale highlighted the value of international dialogue.

Art on a Postcard demonstrated something equally important—that art can build communities, support meaningful causes and connect artists and collectors through generosity as much as through aesthetics.

That lesson remains one of the most enduring aspects of the experience.

After the auction concluded and both paintings had found new collectors, I returned to the studio with renewed confidence in the direction of the Seeds series. Sometimes the smallest works travel the furthest. They leave the studio quietly, yet they become part of stories that continue long after the exhibition has ended.

What the Experience Meant to Me

Looking back today, Art on a Postcard 2024 was far more than another exhibition in London.

It became one of those experiences that quietly reshape the way an artist thinks about the role of painting.

Unlike many exhibitions, where success is often measured by attendance or sales, Art on a Postcard demonstrated that contemporary art can also become a vehicle for generosity, collaboration and social responsibility.

Knowing that my paintings contributed to a project supporting The Hepatitis C Trust gave the invitation a meaning that extended well beyond the exhibition itself.

Why the Seeds Series Belonged Here

For many years, I have developed the Seeds series alongside my larger paintings.

Although each work occupies only a small surface, I have always approached these paintings with exactly the same seriousness as my monumental canvases.

Each painting is complete.

Each one carries its own rhythm, atmosphere and internal structure.

Art on a Postcard reaffirmed something I have long believed.

The physical dimensions of a painting say very little about its ability to communicate.

A small work can carry the same emotional weight as a painting several metres wide.

Perhaps that is why the Seeds series felt so naturally at home within this project.

Art Beyond the Gallery

One of the aspects I admire most about Art on a Postcard is its ability to connect different worlds.

Artists contribute their work.

Collectors acquire original paintings.

Visitors discover new artists.

At the same time, every sale supports an organisation working to improve people's lives.

This creates a model in which artistic practice extends beyond the traditional gallery system.

The artwork continues to exist as an object of contemplation, while simultaneously becoming part of a broader act of generosity.

I find that balance both inspiring and deeply meaningful.

An Invitation I Truly Appreciated

Receiving the invitation from Gemma Peppé shortly after exhibiting at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition made this experience particularly memorable.

Rather than applying through an open call, I had the opportunity to contribute to a project that I already admired for its commitment to artists and to charitable work.

For an independent artist, invitations of this kind are especially meaningful.

They reflect not only the quality of a particular painting, but also the professional relationships and trust that gradually develop over time.

I remain sincerely grateful to Gemma Peppé and the entire Art on a Postcard team for including my work in this special anniversary edition.

Looking Forward

Every international exhibition leaves something behind.

Sometimes it is a new collector.

Sometimes a conversation.

Sometimes a future opportunity.

Art on a Postcard reminded me that artistic practice is built through many different kinds of experiences.

Museum exhibitions.

International biennales.

Charity projects.

Independent initiatives.

Each contributes something unique to an artist's development.

Together, they create a broader understanding of what it means to build a sustainable and meaningful artistic career.

Conclusion

Being invited to participate in the Art on a Postcard 10th Anniversary Auction remains one of the most rewarding moments of my international practice.

The experience combined everything I value about contemporary art.

Professional organisation.

Thoughtful curation.

International dialogue.

Meaningful collecting.

And above all, the belief that art can make a positive contribution beyond the walls of the gallery.

Both paintings from my Seeds series found new homes through the charity auction.

That outcome was deeply satisfying.

Not simply because the works entered private collections, but because they became part of a project where painting, generosity and community came together with genuine purpose.

Looking back today, I see Art on a Postcard not only as an exhibition, but as a reminder that even the smallest paintings can travel far, connect people and participate in something much larger than themselves.

This article reflects my personal experience as an invited artist participating in the Art on a Postcard 10th Anniversary Auction in London. It combines first-hand experience with publicly available information about the project and is intended to document an important stage of my international artistic practice.

FAQ

What is Art on a Postcard?

Art on a Postcard is a UK-based charity initiative founded in 2014 that invites contemporary artists to create original postcard-sized artworks, which are exhibited and auctioned to raise funds for The Hepatitis C Trust.

How did I become involved?

After exhibiting at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2024, I was invited by Gemma Peppé, Founder and Director of Art on a Postcard, to contribute two paintings to the project's 10th Anniversary Auction.

Where was the exhibition held?

The preview exhibition took place at Gathering London, where visitors could view every artwork before the online charity auction began.

Were my paintings sold?

Yes. Both paintings from my Seeds series were successfully sold during the charity auction and entered private collections in the United Kingdom.

Why are all artworks the same size?

The postcard format creates equal conditions for every participating artist. Whether internationally established or emerging, everyone works within exactly the same dimensions, allowing viewers to focus entirely on the quality of the artwork itself.

Would I participate again?

Without hesitation. Art on a Postcard represents a rare combination of artistic excellence, thoughtful curation and genuine social impact. It is a project I would gladly support again in the future.

Useful Resources

• Art on a Postcard — the charity initiative's official site
• The Hepatitis C Trust — the official charity supported by the auction
• Gathering London — the venue that hosted the 10th Anniversary preview exhibition
• 10th Anniversary Auction — the official auction page
• My Official Art on a Postcard Artist Page — my listing among the auction's participating artists

Continue Reading

• Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2024 – A Milestone in My Artistic Journey — my account of a related institutional exhibition
• London Art Biennale 2023 – My Experience as a Selected Artist — my experience of an international open-call exhibition
• Seeds – An Ongoing Painting Series — more on the series behind these two paintings
• Series & Works — my archive of paintings
• Exhibitions — a full record of past and upcoming exhibitions
• About — my background and artistic practice
• Contact — get in touch about my work

Editorial note: this article reflects Adrian Dică's personal experience as an invited artist participating in the Art on a Postcard 10th Anniversary Auction, following an invitation from Gemma Peppé, Founder and Director of Art on a Postcard. It combines first-hand experience with publicly available information about the project.