Junior Bermuda Biennial To Feature 89 Artists
The Bermuda National Gallery’s Junior Bermuda Biennial, featuring works by 89 young artists, opens December 3, with preview events starting November 30.
A spokesperson said, “On Saturday, November 30, the Bermuda National Gallery will host a Preview of the 2024 Junior Bermuda Biennial for the 89 artists, aged 5 to 17, who have been selected for the exhibition. The Junior Bermuda Biennial is a new addition to the Bermuda Biennial, BNG’s flagship exhibition, which has been a cornerstone of the contemporary art scene in Bermuda for over three decades.
“The inaugural Junior Bermuda Biennial is juried by Molly Bretton, Head of Learning at the Royal Academy of Arts [RA] in London. Over 600 artworks were submitted to the open call, from which 83 have been selected for the exhibition, based on originality, unique imagination and technical skill. Artists, aged 5 to 17, submitted both as individuals and in collaboration, and works range from painting and drawing to photography, mixed media, sculpture and film.”
Cheerful Chimp by Alana Alom, age 5. Paint on paper, 2024. She says, “This is a pop art chimp I made at Kaleidoscope Ats Foundation. He is so colourful and cheerful. I loved using bright colours and drawing his face.”
Eve Godet Thomas, Director of Exhibitions at the Bermuda National Gallery, says, “Having seen the impact that the Bermuda Biennial has had on the careers of both our emerging and established artists, BNG is proud to provide our youngest creatives with a national platform from which they can share their talent and unique view of the world. As with every first, the Junior Biennial began as an unknown. We have been blown away by the level of engagement. The exhibition celebrates the boundless creativity of our island’s youngest artists. Their curiosity, playfulness and skill across so many diverse mediums is a joy to behold.”
The spokesperson said, “On Sunday, December 1, Junior Biennial Juror Molly Bretton will host a preview tour of the exhibition for children aged 5 to 12, followed by a hands-on art making session at Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation. The unique event celebrates the art of making and the essential contribution of children’s art to our cultural landscape.”
Transportation from the Bermuda National Gallery to Kaleidoscope is generously provided by the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Tickets are $55 for BNG and KAF members and $65 for non-members. Bursaries are available. Visit www.bng.bm for more information. “I am so happy Kaleidoscope is working with the BNG again,” says Fiona Rodriguez-Roberts, founder of Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation. “Being able to have Molly Bretton come to Kaleidoscope and work alongside our teachers has wonderful synergy. Not only will the students benefit from this collaboration but also the adults. A full circle of learning, creating and growing. Knowing that many of the children that had work chosen for the Junior Biennial are regular Kaleidoscope students is equally wonderful as that is exactly what we hope our space does – empower children to create and trust in themselves.”
The spokesperson said, “On the evening of Monday, December 2, Molly Bretton will present a talk at the Bermuda National Gallery on the importance of supporting and showcasing young artists. She will share insights into the unique creativity of children, the stories their art tells us and why it deserves a place in the wider art conversation. Tickets are free for educators, $20 for BNG members and $30 for non-members. Register at www.bng.bm.”
“I’m passionate about celebrating young artists and championing the importance of art in education so I’m thrilled to be the inaugural judge of the first Junior Bermuda Biennial,” says Molly Bretton. “We received a wealth of submissions, and they demonstrate the incredible imagination and skill of young artists from Bermuda and the amazing contribution of teachers working to nurture creativity in their students. I’m really looking forward to welcoming visitors to see and enjoy the exhibition.”
The spokesperson said, “The inaugural Junior Bermuda Biennial opens to the public on Tuesday, December 3. The exhibition is sponsored by Gary L. Phillips, OBE, in honour of his late wife Patricia Ann Phillips. With additional support from Skyport, One Communications and the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club. Admission to the Bermuda National Gallery is free, made possible by the Christian Humann Foundation.”
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