Birdsey’s Retrospective Opens On November 14
This November, the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art invites members of the public for an in-depth look at the life and work of artist Alfred Birdsey.
A spokesperson said, “Birdsey: Stories and Sentiments – A Retrospective opens in the Masterworks Museum Butterfield Gallery on Monday, November 14th, 2022.
“With a career spanning over five decades, Birdsey was an important ambassador for Bermudian tourism, with his work a must-have purchase for visitors longing to recall the magic of their holiday.
“His paintings are the embodiment of a sentimental and lingering memory of the magnificence of Bermuda, past and present.
“The exhibition will give visitors the opportunity to travel through his career, from the 1930s to the 1990s, exploring his influences, those he influenced and the ways his practice and style evolved with Bermuda as his muse.
“Known far and wide, he spent his life creating goodwill with visitors and locals alike. Birdsey lives on in the hearts and homes of collectors and arts enthusiasts worldwide. Guest Curator Carole Reed was overwhelmed by the number of paintings and prints she was able to source to create the body of work in this retrospective.”
Reed shared, “as a digital nomad in Bermuda since 2020, The very first evening our family arrived, our hostess had above the dining table a large oil painting that showed an abstract vision of St. Georges done by Alfred Birdsey. I later became intrigued by the inclusion of Birdsey’s work in almost every home I visited and enjoyed asking about how they came to own the works, and 100% of the time there was always the loveliest story attached to how the painting was collected.”
The spokesperson said, “Oils, watercolours, and lithographs will fill the gallery, telling the tale of an artist who was inspired and mesmerised by the intrinsic beauty of his island home. Early works see canvases draped in warm island hues, whilst later works employ a more muted palette and sketch like technique likely an influence of mentor Joe Jones.”
“Recognised as one of Bermuda’s most prolific artists, Alfred Birdsey is celebrated in this highly anticipated retrospective that honours his legacy as both creative force and island ambassador. Birdsey’s gifted ability to express texture, colour and light come alive in this exhibition, as do the personal stories shared by those who cherish their memories with him,” said Executive Director Risa Hunter.
Birdsey: Stories and Sentiments, promises to lead viewers on a journey of nostalgia and serve as a reminder of the importance of art in capturing our islands histories. Alfred Birdsey, Stories and Sentiments opens to the public Monday, November 14th. The Museum is open Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm.
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