Charman entries wanted

The annual art competition was launched with the opening of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in 2008.

It aims to highlight art which has been inspired by Bermuda itself.

John Charman, CEO and president of Axis Capital Holdings, a local businessman and art collector, is the sponsor and patron.

Entries are reviewed by a panel of judges.

This year’s theme is ‘Bermuda as Inspiration’.

The Charman Prize will be awarded on a piece of  artwork’s ‘excellence’ in meeting the theme and four points of judging criteria.

Last year’s winner of the $10,000 prize was Sabrina Powell with her piece ‘Raw Gombey’.

The judges said of her work: “By taking the Gombey mask as a starting point, through scale and simplicity of line, Ms Powell has created a sculpture that is both contemporary and has a clear connection to an important aspect of Bermuda’s cultural heritage in an elegant and engaging re-interpretation of the Gombey tradition.

Evocative

“A marvellous work, the handling of the feathers is particularly fine, while the ‘etched’ surface gives the work great interest.

“The evocation of Bermuda’s rich history makes this work both of the past and completely new in its medium, abstract design and execution.”

Four prizes of $2,500 are also awarded for ‘outstanding’ artwork, while 12 Honourable Mention prizes of $100 are given to artists embodying strong elements of the criteria.

Due to space constraints at the museum, this year’s entries may be restricted.

Chosen pieces will be shown from September 2 until the end of the year.

Application forms and more information can be found at: www.bermudamasterworks.com/experience or by calling 236-2950 and speaking to Kate Waters.