BNG & Masterworks Pay Tribute To Janet Fish
The Bermuda National Gallery [BNG] and Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art are mourning the passing of American painter Janet Fish, whose formative years in Bermuda shaped her artistic career.
Bermuda National Gallery Statement
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Gallery is deeply saddened to learn of the death of American painter Janet Fish, who grew up in Bermuda and whose artistic works inspired by the island sit at the apex of her illustrious career as a contemporary artist known especially for vibrant still lifes.”
Jennifer L. Phillips, BNG Executive Director, said: “Janet Fish had an intimate relationship with Bermuda. She was the granddaughter of American Impressionist artist Clark Greenwood Voorhees [1871 – 1933], who had a studio here on the island. Fish credited growing up in Bermuda with having a profound effect on her work and the way in which she painted.”
Janet Fish [1938-2025], Cerises, 1992, screenprint. Collection of Bermuda National Gallery
The spokesperson said, “BNG holds in its collection Fish’s screenprint Cherries [1992], which was part of a larger collection of artworks by female artists gifted to BNG by Paul and Penne Leseur.”
Penne Leseur said, “In 1993, Janet returned to Bermuda and stayed at the Ledgelets in Somerset. At the time, it was hoped that she would be a part of the 1994 centenary celebrations at the Bermuda High School honouring numerous female artists that were former students of the school.”
The spokesperson said, “During that trip to the island, Fish served as juror for the Bermuda National Gallery’s inaugural Bermuda Biennial, held in 1994.”
Ms Phillips said, “Those who may be unfamiliar with the name and/or the work of Janet Fish should visit the exhibition which opened last month at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, co-curated by two-time Bermuda Biennial juror Melissa Messina.”
The spokesperson said, “As a special tribute, and in celebration of the late artist’s association with Bermuda, BNG will place Janet Fish’s Cherries on temporary view from Tuesday, December 16 through December 31.
“The Bermuda National Gallery is located in the City Hall and Arts Centre. Admission is free, sponsored by The Christian Humann Foundation. For holiday opening hours, visit www.bng.bm.”
Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art Statement
A spokesperson said, “Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art is saddened to relay the passing of Janet Fish, whose artworks are currently on display in the major exhibition, Janet Fish: Place in Time. Fish was a contemporary painter whose unique approach to still life reinvigorated the genre and made her a major figure in American art.
“Born on May 18, 1938, Fish was raised in Connecticut and Bermuda as part of an artistic family. Deciding at a young age that she wanted to be an artist, she spent her formative years studying under resident Bermuda artists such as Byllee Lang and absorbing the island’s singular light and colour, an influence that can be seen in the luminous paintings for which she is known.
“After graduating from Smith College and Yale University, Fish pursued a career in New York City with determination and vision, overcoming barriers for female artists and winning critical acclaim for her still life paintings. Her skill at capturing fleeting effects of light and the beauty of her vibrant canvases earned her a devoted following, as well as representation at art galleries such as Robert Miller and DC Moore Gallery, New York.
“Fish’s paintings are now part of many major museum collections, including that of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Fish’s work is now also part of Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art’s Permanent Collection, with the recent acquisition of the Bermuda-inspired painting Parakeet and Tropical Fruit [1991].
“Fish’s stellar painting career, fascinating life and upbringing in Bermuda are the subject of Masterworks’ current major exhibition, Janet Fish: Place in Time. Curated by Sara Thom and Melissa Messina and organised in close collaboration with the Artist’s studio and DC Moore Gallery, New York, it is a five-decade survey and Fish’s first exhibition in Bermuda. It opened on November 15, 2025, and is on view through April 18, 2026. Janet Fish: Place in Time will tour to institutions in the United States from 2026 to 2028.”
Sara Thom, Co-Curator of Janet Fish: Place in Time, said, “It is one of the greatest honours of my career to curate this exhibition of paintings and works on paper by Janet Fish. Fish was a true master of painting, with a wholly extraordinary artistic vision and dedication to her craft. I am proud that this exhibition has originated in Bermuda, Fish’s childhood home and a major influence on her art.
“It will now tour to institutions in the United States, where it will be shared with new audiences and act as a testament not only to Fish’s trailblazing career, but also her deep appreciation for the individual impressions and fleeting moments of beauty which compose our lives.”
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