The British Art Prize 2024, supported by Raw Umber and Caran d’Ache, welcomed thousands of artworks from around the globe. A distinguished panel of judges, including artists, curators, and critics, faced the difficult task of selecting winners from a variety of styles and mediums. With no theme restrictions, the competition aimed to celebrate pure artistic expression, resulting in a vibrant shortlist of 50 talented artists.
1st Prize: Samuel Owusu Achiaw – Looking
Samuel’s graphite (石墨) portrait of his sister shows thanks to her role as his biggest supporter. “She inspired me to keep creating even during tough times,” he shared. The artwork captures her focused expression during law school exams, symbolizing dedication. Winning this prize, Samuel said, “ It feels like a dream. It motivates me to explore new artistic possibilities.”
2nd Prize: Lawrence Green – Green Crag and Haystacks
Lawrence’s watercolor masterpiece took six months to complete, inspired by a mountain scene in 1998. The painting’s soft shadows required careful work with a tiny brush. “Rejections are part of an artist’s journey,” he reflected. “This win reminds me that patience and passion matter.”
3rd Prize: Arina Gordienko – The Vanished Summer
Arina’s mixed-media piece draws from a poem about loss. “Art allows us to express emotions words can’t,” she explained. The competition, she added, helps artists connect with others and grow creatively.
Raw Umber Studios Prize for Portraiture: Duncan Shoosmith – Self Portrait in Green T-Shirt
Duncan created this self-portrait during a break from commissioned work. “I wanted to paint freely, without worrying about client approval,” he said. The award highlights the importance of personal expression in art.
The British Art Prize not only rewards talent but also bridges gaps between artists and audiences. By showcasing diverse styles, it reminds us that art has the power to communicate universally, going beyond language and borders. As Lawrence Green put it, “Art is a journey, not just a destination.”
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1.1. Why is Samuel’s sister significant to his artwork?
A She funded his art supplies.
B She posed for his first portrait.
C She inspired his creative persistence.
D She taught him painting techniques.
解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据第二段的“Samuel’s graphite portrait of his sister shows thanks to her role as his biggest supporter. ‘She inspired me to keep creating even during tough times’”，可知，妹妹激励他坚持创作。故选C。
2.2. What can we infer from Lawrence’s words about his win?
A He always expected to win this prize.
B His win is mainly due to his good luck.
C The win validates his long-term efforts.
D Rejections have no impact on his art journey.
解析：选C。C 推理判断题。根据第三段中Lawrence说这幅画花了六个月完成，并且提到“reminds me that patience and passion matter”（让我想起耐心和热情很重要），可以推断出这次获奖是对他长期以来在艺术创作中付出努力的一种肯定，也就是验证了他长期的努力。故选C。
3.3. What message does Duncan’s self-portrait convey?
A The importance of client satisfaction.
B The value of artistic freedom.
C The need for technical perfection.
D The challenges of landscape painting.
解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据Duncan提到的“I wanted to paint freely, without worrying about client approval”，可知，他强调艺术创作的自由，体现了艺术自由的价值。故选B。
4.4. Which title best summarizes the article?
A Mastering Art Techniques: A Guide for Beginners
B Breaking Boundaries: How Art Connects the World
C Famous Artists and Their Daily Struggles
D The History of British Art Competitions
解析：选B。B 主旨大意题。文章围绕英国艺术奖展开，介绍不同获奖者及其作品，最后点明艺术可超越语言和国界进行普遍沟通“communicate universally, going beyond language and borders”，与B选项“Breaking Boundaries: How Art Connects the World”（打破界限：艺术如何连接世界）主旨一致。其他选项A（初学者指南）、C（艺术家日常挣扎）、D（英国艺术竞赛历史）均偏离文章核心。故选B。
