Closing Celebrations

From Darkness to Light

To celebrate the close of From Darkness to Light, artist Henry Ward gave a fascinating talk at the gallery last week, in which he discussedhis approach to portraiture, his techniques – which are inspired by the Old Masters – and the influence that Rembrandt has had on the development of his practice. 

The artist also discussed his experience painting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Ward is one of the few painters for whom the late monarch sat and his portrait of her, which now hangs in the Savoy in London, is one of only two which she unveiled in person.  

We were thrilled to welcome students to the exhibition after two years of restrictions, with East End Primary (pictured below), St David’s Primary and the Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation home school group visiting in recent weeks. The exhibition, which captured key figures in Bermuda’s diverse communities, provided a valuable teaching resource in both portraiture and the use of chiaruscuro. 

Although the exhibition has now closed, From Darkness to Light: Portraits by Henry Ward can be toured online and the accompanying exhibition catalogue and BNG Kids activity booklet can be downloaded from our website.

Thank you toBermuda Centennial Foundation and D&J Construction for making this exhibition possible.