Museum collections are shaped over time; at Masterworks, that is 33 years of collecting, preserving, and showcasing art of and inspired by Bermuda. '(Un)Traditional' seeks to highlight the strength, and breadth, of the permanent collection through exhibiting works often, and also rarely, seen.
Through five thematic groupings, '(Un)Traditional' surveyed the historical scope of the Museum's focus from the 1900s to today: capturing and preserving the Bermuda "identity." The groupings address the different visual languages used by artists to depict Bermuda: surrealism, abstraction, architecture, people, and places. Together, the five groupings explore some of many ways to think about the Collection, and challenge us to consider new possibilities for its future growth and interpretation.
Recent acquisitions reflect the Museum's dedication to living local artists; works from the recent past often reflect back to historical works in the collection. These works demonstrate how ideas of Bermuda developed over time, as conversations amongst peers, and artists of different generations, and therefore perspectives. Over the decades, the Museum has built upon and expanded its holdings to represent Bermuda's diverse identity.
