Global Students Prize

The figure lies back, vulnerable yet strong, proudly displaying objects connecting to his heritage and tribal roots. Uriel chose to explore the connections young people in South East London feel to their ancestry; specifically African heritage and culture, and how this heritage can be a true source of inner strength.

In this painting, “Capsula do Tempo,” (Time Capsule), I’ve tried to capture the essence of Portugal’s cultural richness and the stories etched on the face of an elderly man. Inspired by my passion for textile design, I’ve dressed him in patterns I have designed to reflect the country’s maritime legacy and historic tiles.

His warm tones aim to echo Portugal’s sun-soaked landscapes, whereas the garments are more representative of Portugal’s connection with the ocean and fishing culture bringing in elements of traditional art forms like Portuguese tiles. This is my way of celebrating the ongoing thread of cultural heritage, inviting you to experience the beauty in the dance between generations and the unique stories each person carries.

This work deals with the difference that is now evident in relation to generation Z’s spirituality when compared to the older generation. It is known that younger adults and upcoming teens today are far less likely than older generations to identify with a religion and believe in God. The old woman peacefully staring into a sea of emptiness symbolizes how the older generation fully immersed themselves in religion and believed that the only way to internal and external success was the church. The woman is also painted looking upwards, towards the sky, something bigger, of greater power. The intent of this painting is to pose one question: to what extent should a person abide by religion and faith?

When life gets difficult, escapism gives people a way to take a break from reality. Escapism can be good as it prevents burn out and reduces our stress and increase the feelings of hope. But in some cases, people are so stressed out that they prefer to opt for easy solutions like drugs, alcohol and isolation away from the busy world. Getting involved in drugs and other means of escapism make people hallucinate and they see the world differently. Some people hallucinate and they see the world differently. Some people have already created their own universe and prefer to stay in the hallucination/illusion state. Just like music is a way to escape reality and help to stabilise your mental health, being in the illusion state acts the same. The only difference is that when you are escaping from reality, you are only active mentally and freeze physically. You are in a state of illusion where you can’t react physically. Everything is moving around you. All the colours are mixing and all the patterns become optical. You create your own world when you escape from reality.

I wanted to capture the explosion of colours you see in a field. The colours represent different celebratory emotions to make the viewer feel positive.

This piece was part of my “Guernsey Occupation” art unit, for which I looked into differences between Guernsey now (2023) and then (1940s). This topic has fascinated me from a young age and I find it inspiring how the island has worked to preserve bunkers and Martello towers as a stark reminder of such difficult times. I believe this preserves our island’s history whilst highlighting the struggles of the islanders who stayed during the occupation. I have used black and white acrylic and the infamous photo of Nazi soldiers marching down the high street to try to capture the evocative juxtaposition of these themes, and prompt emotions about our beautiful island home.

If I were to describe the central concept that drives my exhibition, it would be the exploration of decay in both tangible and intangible things. Initially, I explored decay in tangible subject matters such as dried leaves, withered flowers and the human skin — and what it elicits about the fragility and indifference of life. I then explored society’s fixation on youthful beauty, and our shared fear of our bodies deteriorating as we age. My remaining pieces then focus on the lives of people I am familiar with; my grandma and my helper – in which I explore how our desire to seek life’s purpose decays as we tirelessly devote our lives to certain people or lifestyles. This broad investigation on impermeability and life is intended to question what we dedicate our limited time to, and whether it feels meaningful to us.

My piece is inspired by the song “No surprises” by Radiohead. It’s about the fear and despait of living a monotonous and boring life and ageing with regrets. The painting is my interpretation of this theme and a reminder not to fall into a life with “no alarms and no surprises”, as the song says.

Fountain pen is one of my favourite drawing tools. Most of the paintings we come into contact with are watercolour paintings, oil paintings or sketches, but a fountain pen is actually a very special tool. It can write and paint. Sometimes it can present a sharp stroke, and sometimes it can create different textures. Although there’s only black and white, it makes use of its contrast to create light and shade, which makes a scene more realistic and has its own unique style. Moreover, the use of the variety of strokes can represent different objects successfully. Even though I live in a modern city, I love the old streets. The street scenery and shops that I pass by every day can actually become beautiful pictures. People always forget the old things, so I chose to use such media to capture this old street in my drawing forever.

My intention for this piece is to bring awareness about the exponential rise in the number of stray dogs here in Mauritius. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t remember at least one dog roaming freely on the streets or on public beaches. Innocence on its face, deep watery eyes and a wiry belly, asking for a piece of bread and affection from passerby. Saving one dog will not change the world but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.

Oil on Canvas Inspired by Jenny Saville’s treatment of weight and beauty in Propped, Stretched portrays the relationship between mind and body; of love yet loathing and isolation.

My artwork shows the inside of Nefusot Yehuda Synagogue, Gibraltar. I chose this because I grew up going to this synagogue and it has been the beacon of my religion. It one of the historical landmarks in Gibraltar and besides carrying out religious services it is visited regularly by tourists from all around the world.

Textiles corset based on primary photos taken in and around Manx glens and plantations. Focusing on bark, leaves and texture.

This painting holds a great significance in my life as it is my favourite beach. Rota beach is very special to me, and this painting shows the moment the ‘Patata Man’ (the man that sells crisps on the beach) stops for customers. He rings his bell so that everybody knows he’s there.

A local bridge near Hartford

Abstract landscape painting inspired by stratigraphy and topography

The painting expresses the overwhelming experience resulting from anxiety and stress.

In the ‘Wisdom in Wrinkles’, I emphasise the wrinkles of an elderly man, symbolic of the challenges that he has faced. His wispy beard frames his face with authenticity and refinement; a testament to the wisdom he has gained over the years. The project spanned over two months, requiring a high level of precision as I sought to produce the highest level of realism. I sought to begin this project after the passing of my grandmother; which reminded me of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with those around me.