[Un]Traditional And Bermuda: Land, Sea & Stone

Masterworks Museum has opened two Permanent Collection Exhibitions – “[Un]Traditional” and “Bermuda: Land, Sea & Stone” – that they say showcases Bermuda “from traditional and untraditional perspectives.”

A spokesperson said, “The Masterworks Museum’s Permanent Collection has always been focused on collecting works inspired by, and about Bermuda. In doing so, the Collection has become a place where culture has been preserved for generations to come.

“This Heritage Month, the Museum opened two Permanent Collection Exhibitions – “[Un]Traditional” and “Bermuda: Land, Sea & Stone” – that showcase Bermuda as we’ve come to know and see it from traditional and untraditional perspectives. Both exhibitions reflect our shared cultural experiences on the island.

“Exhibiting in the Masterworks Museum’s Mezzanine Gallery, Bermuda: Land, Sea & Stone seeks to highlight three of the trades that are foundational to the Bermuda culture that we see and know – farming, fishing, and quarrying.

‘Land’ focuses on the crucial role agriculture played in Bermuda’s history forming an essential part of both the Island’s cultural and natural heritage. ‘Sea’ observes the trade of fishing, which whether for subsistence, at a commercial scale, or for leisure, is the longest continuous human activity affecting Bermuda’s waters. Finally, ‘Stone’ examines the work and practices of Bermudian quarrymen of the early 20th century.

“The Quarry [A large, deep pit, from which stone or other materials are or have been extracted] represents the foundation industry from which the unique architectural heritage of Bermuda arose.

“For more than three centuries, stone cutting was a steady, even lucrative source of work for Bermudian men. Scenes of men at work in quarries all over Bermuda, sawing and chiseling away at giant blocks of stone captivated visiting artists, photographers, and literary luminaries like Mark Twain.

“Bermudian Historian Mr. Lawrence [Larry] Mills loaned several of the visual elements incorporated in the ‘Stone’ display including a chisel and pole, used to create channels to pry the stone from the quarry face.”

Mr. Mills shared with the team that he was “excited to have been asked to contribute to the exhibit and appreciated the professionalism showcased by the Masterworks team.” He continued “I’m happy to see the history of a crucial trade highlighted for current and future generations.”

In the Butterfield Gallery is [Un]Traditional, an exhibition highlighting the strength, and breadth, of the Masterworks Permanent Collection. Just under fifty works tell the story of our island from new and unseen perspectives,” a spokesperson said.

‘Artworks incorporating back alleys and back yards, familiar faces and activities, abstracted architecture, and surrealist landscapes, give glimpses of imagery, colour stories and intimacy that are symbolic of island life.

“Rarely seen works from local Artists Bruce Stuart, Sharon Muhammed [nee Wilson], Graham Foster, Otto Trott and Charles Zuill juxtapose the traditional perspectives the Masterworks Collection is majorly known for – seascapes, white roofs and traditional cottages. [Un]Traditional encourages viewers to consider new possibilities for future growth and interpretation of our island and the Masterworks Collection”

Exhibitions Officer Jasmine Lee gave insight into the inspiration for her first Permanent Collection show, saying, “Everytime I go down into the Vault [where the work is stored when not on display] it feels like I uncover something new each time. The collection is so vast, that often times you come back to the familiar favourites, overlooking many equally powerful pieces.

“With this exhibition, I really wanted to showcase some of our hidden treasures, of works by local, living artists, of the many contributions of our past ‘Artist in Residence’, and of artists who push or pushed Bermuda’s art into the Contemporary. It’s my hope that when people come to visit the show that they see something new or unexpected from the Masterworks Collection.”

Executive Director, Risa Hunter expressed the value of the Permanent Collection shows, stating, “Both exhibitions at Masterworks highlight the importance of uncovering underrepresented visual narratives of our island culture. The hidden gems of our Collection come to life in these colourful shows that exemplify the dynamic and varied interpretations of Bermuda.”

“Exhibiting in the Rick Faries Gallery is a tribute show to the late Artist Christine Watlington, ‘Bermuda’s Botanical World’, exhibiting through June 14th, featuring the artist’s Botanical Illustrations. ‘[Un]Traditional’ and ‘Bermuda: Land, Sea & Stone’, exhibit through August 2022, and we encourage you to view them while you can.”

- Photos courtesy of Alexander Masters

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