Theophilus Tetteh is an African contemporary artist from Ghana. He buried himself in the study of graphic design and painting at school while experimenting with different media themes.

Now we hear about African painters stepping into the spotlight, but it might be challenging for Ghanaian artists to bring their careers to commercial success and critical recognition. The art market as such is not yet established in Ghana. The country doesn’t even have a national gallery to preserve and promote Ghanaian art. It can be problematic for young painters who cannot afford to move to Europe or the US to promote and market their art. Besides, many young artists can even have trouble getting painting materials.

Things changed for Tetteh when he got featured in BE OPEN Art, an online gallery of contemporary art. It was founded by philanthropist Elena Baturina with a desire to provide emerging artists worldwide with an opportunity to show their works to the world of art professionals. The platform especially welcomes artists who don’t have resources or promotional opportunities such as graduates and self-taught artists.

In December 2020, Tetteh was voted the Artist of the Month by the visitors of the BE OPEN Art. Later, he was chosen as the gallery’s first-ever Artist of the Year. The award brought him favorable publicity, so he was noticed by the art community, the media, collectors, etc. In 2021, he was interviewed frequently by the media and featured in a famous magazine. All these things let the prices of the artist’s work inch upwards.

Tetteh thinks the world can be a better place if young artists are guided on their way without any form of disregard, but with support of the senior. As his name has hit headlines of the arts world media, he hopes to help promote emerging talents in his native country. “The art makes the man and the man makes the art,” he says.

【小题1】What can we learn about Ghanaian artists from paragraphs 1-2?

A．They tend to combine designs with media themes.

B．They have established an art market to promote works.

C．They desire professional guidance on preserving national art.

D．They lack a supportive platform to realize commercial value of their works.

【小题2】Why does Elena Baturina establish BE OPEN Art?

A．To promote ancient African art treasures.

B．To broaden the artistic vision of self-taught artists.

C．To provide chances for young artists to display artistic talents.

D．To sponsor a project for the contemporary emerging artists from Ghana.

【小题3】What kind of person is Tetteh according to the last paragraph?

A．Socially responsible.	B．Amazingly talented.
C．Commercially smart.	D．Culturally conservative.

【小题4】Which of the following best describes Tetteh’s change of fate?

A．All that glitters is not gold.

B．Opportunity favors the prepared.

C．The strong is not without tears.

D．A good name is easier lost than won.