BP Portrait Award

BP Portrait Award. It is one of the most prestigious international competitions for portrait painting, administered by the National Portrait Gallery, London. Established in 1990 following sponsorship from BP, the award has become a significant annual event in the global art calendar, showcasing contemporary approaches to portraiture. The competition is renowned for its substantial first prize and for providing a prominent platform for both emerging and established artists from around the world.

History and background

The award was inaugurated in 1990, building upon the existing tradition of the National Portrait Gallery's annual portrait exhibition. The sponsorship by the multinational energy company BP provided crucial financial support, enabling a significant increase in prize money and international reach. This partnership mirrored other corporate arts sponsorships of the era, such as the Turner Prize's association with Channel 4. The competition was established to encourage a renewed focus on the art of portraiture within contemporary practice, offering a counterpoint to more conceptual trends. Its founding coincided with a period of renewed public interest in figurative art, as seen in the work of painters like Lucian Freud and Frank Auerbach.

Selection and exhibition

The selection process involves a rigorous jury system, typically comprising prominent figures from the art world such as gallery directors, curators, and acclaimed artists. Submissions are received from artists across the globe, with entries often numbering in the thousands. A shortlist is created, and the final selected works are displayed in a major summer exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London. Following its London run, the exhibition has frequently toured to other UK venues, such as the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh and the Ulster Museum in Belfast. The judging criteria emphasize artistic skill, insight into character, and a compelling engagement with the portrait genre.

Notable winners and subjects

The list of winners includes many artists who have gained significant recognition through the award. Early notable winners include Daphne Todd, a former president of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, and Stuart Pearson Wright. Subsequent winners like Dean Marsh and Thomas Ganter have demonstrated the award's international scope. The subjects portrayed are remarkably diverse, ranging from intimate family members to public figures. Portraits have depicted individuals like musician Jarvis Cocker, actor Sir Ian McKellen, and Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich. The 2018 award was won by Miriam Escofet for a portrait of her mother, while Charlie Schaffer won in 2019 with a portrait of his friend.

Impact and legacy

The award has had a profound impact on the careers of countless portrait painters, offering substantial prize money, significant exposure, and major acquisition opportunities. It has played a key role in sustaining and revitalizing interest in portrait painting within contemporary art discourse. The associated exhibition draws large public audiences, democratizing access to contemporary art and stimulating dialogue about identity and representation. Its legacy includes the development of the BP Young Artist Award, which highlights emerging talent. The award's influence extends to art education, inspiring students at institutions like the Royal Academy of Arts and the Glasgow School of Art.

Controversies and criticism

The award has not been without controversy, primarily concerning its long-standing sponsorship by BP. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion, have staged protests against the partnership, criticizing the company's record on climate change and fossil fuel extraction. This has led to debates about ethical funding in the arts, similar to controversies surrounding the Sackler family's philanthropy. Some critics within the art world have occasionally questioned the aesthetic conservatism of the selected works. The sponsorship agreement concluded in 2022, prompting a period of transition and reflection on the future of the competition under a new sponsor.

Category:Art awards Category:Portraiture Category:National Portrait Gallery, London