Description

Established in 2008 by local businessman and art collector John Charman, CEO and President of Axis Capital Holdings, this show is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the extraordinary range of artistic talent in the local community. In just three years, the Charman Prize has become a well established highlight of the annual art calendar in Bermuda. Says Mr. Charman, “I take great pride in sponsoring the third annual Charman Prize. A nation without a vibrant art community is a nation missing part of its soul. Bermuda, being a relatively small jurisdiction sitting isolated in the middle of the Atlantic, is extraordinary when measured by the amount of artistic talent it draws from all segments of its diverse community.”


The competition is open to Bermudian artists resident on the island as well as non-Bermudians who have been living here for six months prior to the entry deadline. Artwork is judged by a panel of experts on four criteria: innovation (artwork that introduces a new direction in the Bermuda art scene), use of material (technical mastery of a chosen medium), distinctive and convincing style (a well-developed quality of imagination and individuality) and serious intent (a social commentary of insightful quality).


The judges for this year’s competition are Susan Menconi, an art dealer and partner at Menconi & Schoelkopf Fine Art, LLC, New York; Barbara Russell, the current Masterworks Artist in Residence; and James Toogood, an artist, art critic and art teacher based in Philadelphia.


This year’s competition had 69 entries, in various styles and mediums. One theme which was noticeable this year was the recent gun violence on the island. Some local artists appear to be using the Charman Prize as an outlet of expression on this topic.


Other works in the show include commentary on sustainability, racial division, addiction, family relationships, the recession, censorship, crime, and much more. The combination of artwork shows Bermuda in a diversity of perspectives, in both positive and negative lights.


The 2010 winner is Sabrina Powell for her work entitled "Raw Gombey". Previous winners were Kathy Harriott in 2008 and Graham Foster in 2009. Their works now form part of the permanent collection. All works on display in the competition (apart from the grand prize winner) will be for sale to the public.

The show will be displayed in the Butterfield Family Gallery until April 24rd. The museum is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm. Admission $5, free for members and children under 12.