art as activism Archives - Bermuda National Gallery

In conversation with Gherdai Hassell

The Art Affects is a new podcast by 2020 Bermuda Biennial artist Gherdai Hassell which aims to amplify the artwork and voices of artists of the African diaspora.

For her first interview, Gherdai caught up with fellow Bermuda Biennial artist NOBODY. The artist, who has been creating artwork under the pseudonym since 2018 in order to express himself freely, creates protest art.

He discusses his 2020 Bermuda Biennial artwork I-ANK-Forget, why activist art fuels the morale and how, in his view, “There is nothing more impactful, inspiring, and galvanising than art that communicates and expresses the pain, mood, feelings and energy of the people.”

Tune in to the episode, which launches today, to hear the artists in conversation as they discuss growing up in Bermuda, how the past experiences of loved ones can be used to understand contemporary issues and the ways in which the experiences of people throughout the African diaspora are interconnected.

Click HERE to listen to The Art Affects.

2020 Bermuda Biennial artwork: I-ANK-Forget by NOBODY, 2019. Digital print. 48 x 48 inches.

Artist’s Statement:

“We need to bring our understanding of art into the 21st century. It is not merely decoration, it also can be social, political and racial commentary; and that too is acceptable, relevant and necessary. Those in positions of power need to stop censoring and muzzling the creative expression of the people. Public art should represent the public. The era of flora & fauna, pink cottages and longtails is over.” – April Branco, Bernews, 17 September, 2018.

Black Lives Matter

There are times in each generation when collective action generates fundamental change. Where injustice is recognised and acted upon and the outcomes move our society forward to a better, more just position.

It is with a great deal of hope that our community came together this past weekend to protest systemic injustices on communities of colour in the largest gathering of its kind in memory. It is with anticipation that we look forward to the kind of progressive change that is being loudly and rightly demanded.

Artists and children alike have been showing their support for Black Lives Matter, now the largest civil rights movement in history, through a peaceful art protest. The project, which showcases their solidarity through art, aims to unite all artworks in a larger collaborative collaged artwork expressing unity for the cause.

To be included in the project, email a photograph of the artwork to blacklivesmatterbda@gmail.com.