Every two years, the Biennial presents a snapshot of our contemporary art scene and this year the picture is as diverse, thought provoking and innovative as ever. Featuring 86 paintings, sculptures, photographs and installations by 41 local artists, the 2008 edition – our eighth - is one show not to be missed.

Chosen by an international jury from an entry of more than 250 submissions from 68 artists, the Biennial is both a statement on the very high quality of work produced by Bermudian and resident artists, and a reflection of the Island’s diverse and rapidly-changing society.

By its selective nature the Biennial does not pretend to be an objective survey of Bermuda’s art today; rather, it hopes to generate a dialogue and to focus attention on the contemporary voices of the Bermuda art scene.  The selected artworks themselves mirror the times in which we live and suggest that what constitutes “Bermudian” is in a constant state of flux.

The distinguished international jurors for this year’s Biennial were Mark Krisco, artist, curator, and instructor, at The Art Institute of Chicago; and Franklin Sirmans, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Menil Collection, Houston, Texas.

Mr. Krisco said it was not just the quality of submissions that impressed the jurors but the range of work.  “This suggests a changing - which is to say vibrantly alive - cultural landscape. Artists appear to be embracing two traditions, both their own and the world. I consider myself very lucky indeed to have been exposed to this emerging beauty and integrity.”

As the jurors’ official statement declared: “We have particularly focused on the artists that have not hesitated beyond comfortable boundaries. Artists whose work has led them to a place outside comfortable boundaries – a place that may even seem “foreign” to them. It has been our experience that it is such artists who “go out on a limb” create art that comes from a place deeper within themselves. Far beyond competence and ego, it is a place that all viewers will relate to aesthetically and soulfully.”

Exhibition links:
> Press release > Artist profiles > Jurors' statement > Jurors' profiles > Opening Night photos	> Director's statement > Curator's statement > Sponsors' statements > Essay by Christina Storey

Fiona Rose Rodriguez-Roberts Bermudian, b. 1973 Self Portrait 1, 2007 mixed media 60 x 36 x 6 inches Collection of the artist	Vernon N. Clarke Jamaican/Bermudian, b.1949 Just the Two of Us, 2007 charcoal on paper 36 x 24 inches Collection of the artist

Charles Godet Thomas
British/Bermudian, b. 1985
Beneath the Surface Cleaner, 2007
resin casts & reclaimed objects
9 x 4 x 2 inches x 3
Collection of the artist

Bermuda Collection:
350 Years of Art in Bermuda
The Ondaatje Wing

Presented as an historical timeline, our permanent exhibition follows the artistic, historical and cultural development of Bermuda through its decorative and fine arts from 1624 to the present day. The Gallery’s Permanent Collection is complemented by significant private loans focusing on Bermuda’s early decorative arts of furniture and silverwork.

The Bermuda Collection is generously supported by Sir Christopher Ondaatje. Care of the Bermuda Collection is sponsored by Bob, Robert, Tom and Brian Steinhoff in loving memory of Pat Steinhoff.

BNG exhibitions since 1992

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