Biennial extends into a 'larger global conversation'

TUESDAY, JUNE 12: The Bermuda National Gallery’s upcoming biennial reflects the exhibition’s partnering of the international and local more than ever before with artists submitting work from countries the world over.

This year 56 artists submitted 186 works from countries such as the United States, South Africa, England, Sweden and foreign nationals from the likes of Malaysia, Canada, Portugal and Turkey.

The works themselves will be juried by curator for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago Naomi Beckwith, and Trinidadian artist and curator Christopher Cozier.

BNG curator Sophie Cressall said of this year’s exhibition: “This international involvement by artists and jurors widens the regional focus of the Bermuda Biennial, and so extends the exhibition into a larger global conversation on the production of contemporary concepts and visual practices.”

The exhibition, sponsored by Bacardi Ltd, features 21 artists: Jacqueline Alma, Louisa Bermingham Flannery, William Collieson, James Cooper, Vaughan Evans, Fungus Art Collective: James Cooper & Russell de Moura, Charlie Godet Thomas, Antoine A. R. Hunt, Christina Hutchings, Sunell Lombard, Jamie Macmillan & Rohan Shastri, Kevin Morris, Manuel Palacio, Dany Pen, Bryan Ritchie, Guluzar Ritchie, Alan C. Smith, Edwin M.E. Smith, Teresa Kirby Smith and Michael Walsh.

The exhibition opens to the public on June 15 and runs to November 24, 2012.

BNG Director Lisa Howie says: “Bermuda is a significant cultural capital in the Atlantic and what we offer the world and ourselves is much more than a beach. Central to this is the cultural value imbedded in the Bermuda Biennial. It is an exhibition that provides a platform for our diverse artistic voices, which speak many languages and perspectives– harmonious/ discordant, resolved or otherwise–at the heart of which is a passion to create and to share.

Unique experiences

“As always, we look to our exhibitions to create unique experiences, to re-configure the museum space and serve as sources of inspiration and education.

“Looking across the history of the exhibition, now in its tenth year, it is clear that for such a small community, we have very much to be proud.

“Art is alive in Bermuda. Please join us in celebrating the 2012 Bacardi Limited Biennial of Contemporary Bermuda Art.”

Cressall added: “The 2012 Biennial Exhibition reflects a global conversation and consists of artworks ranging in medium and concept; from resolved sculptural pieces to working proposals; from installations to live performance; and from traditional painting to digital animation to name a few.”

For more information about what a biennial is made up of read our story from last week HERE.