The Bermuda National Gallery Winter Exhibitions 2009

February 1 - August 2009

The Bermuda National Gallery is excited to announce the current exhibition has received overwhelming community response, especially 'Changing Gears: The Art of the Bermuda Motorcycle'. It has proven to be a real hit with the community and we are extending the Exhibition through August 2009! This Exhibition is generously sponsored by Endurance Specialty Insurance Ltd.

Central to the exhibitions are the questions: What is art? What is culture? And how do art and culture intersect? The art to be on exhibit will challenge viewers to rethink their preconceived notions of art.

First, Changing Gears: The Art of the Bermuda Motorcycle. Inspired by “The Art of the Motorcycle” held at the Guggenheim Museum (NYC) in 1998, (which broke attendance records), this exhibition will celebrate an art form that is, interestingly, also a rite of passage in Bermuda. Changing Gears will be looking at the motorcycle as a metaphor for Bermuda culture: Symbolizing freedom, escapism, identity, creativity, and personal expression, the motorcycle continues to be a cultural icon that expresses Bermuda’s evolving social identity.

Curator, Sophie Cressall, the mastermind behind Changing Gears, says: “Putting this exhibition together clarifies how important the motorcycle is as an expression of the culture of the times. It’s remarkable to discover how locals convert stock bikes to artworks with personal signatures and styles. The challenge was in the selection process as the BNG has limited space.”

Second, African Art in Motion. This exhibition explores the ceremonial and cultural functions of artifacts from nine African nations; the display endeavours to bring these static pieces of sculpture to life with filmed ceremonies, music, and photography. This exhibition intends to stimulate dialogue about how artifacts continue to serve both aesthetic and historical meaning in all of our world cultures.

Third, Contemporary Conversations: Kevin Morris. This solo exhibition is a new concept to the BNG, which highlights work by living artists in the gallery’s Permanent Collection. It allows for exceptional artists, in mid-career, to showcase their talents and trigger conversation about the layers of meaning in contemporary art. It is anticipated that this exhibition will also inspire emerging artists with fresh and challenging artwork.

Acting Director Lisa Howie says: “The Winter Exhibitions seek to embrace a wide range of artistic and cultural interests, and thus a wide spectrum of the Bermuda community. Art plays such an important role in our lives- bringing people together, enriching educational experiences, creating global connections, providing pause in an increasingly hectic world. As we go forward into an uncertain economy, it is crucial that the larger Bermuda community continue, or join in, the financial support of all art and cultural institutions.”

In order to make a bridge between the art on display and present local culture, the opening will close with a performance of the Warwick Gombeys and a parade of motorcycles from the classic to the contemporary.

Also, the BNG is offering for the first time, a chance to win one of two SYM motorcycles kindly donated by CycleCare (Mio 50 cc and HD 125 EVO), to be spray painted by Robbie Rogers, Jr. In order to be a part of the draw, you must become a member of the BNG, or renew your membership. The draw takes place on March 15th, at an event that celebrates the BNGs African Collection and17th Anniversary.

For full details see the attached calendar of events or visit the BNG website.

| VIEW ON MAP |

•    The Bermuda Collection in the Ondaatje Wing

Presented as an historical timeline, our permanent exhibition follows the artistic, historical and cultural development of Bermuda through its decorative and fine arts from 1624 to the present day. The Gallery’s Permanent Collection is complemented by significant private loans focusing on Bermuda’s early decorative arts of furniture and silverwork.

The Bermuda Collection is generously supported by Sir Christopher Ondaatje

See below for information regarding exhibition-related lectures and programmes and the BNG’s updated events calendar .

Changing Gears: the Art of the Bermuda Motorcycle Robert Rogers, Detail of Artwork on Gas Tank, 2006 Collection of Nelson DeSousa