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Charman Prize

Established in 2008, with the opening of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, the Charman Prize is a biennial competition for a visual art prize, established to honour and support local and resident artists. The Charman Prize is a unique showcase competition for art inspired by Bermuda, generously sponsored by John Charman. Artworks are judged by a panel of international judges, with prizes awarded for artistic excellence according to the competition’s judging criteria –

    • Design and composition
    • Use of materials
    • Source of inspiration
    • Distinct and convincing style

The Charman Prize 2023 opened on December 16, 2023 and remained on view until March 31, 2024. The prize presentation ceremony took place on March 28, 2024. The theme for the Charman Prize 2023 was ‘The Local Seen; Bermuda, and Bermudians, in the Modern World’.

The Masterworks Museum especially thanks Mr. Charman for his continued patronage. His support enables Bermuda’s artists, here and abroad, as well as the community to come together and support art and artists of Bermuda.

The Charman Prize Winners

From left to right top row: Dawn’s Embrace: Flatts Bridge at Sunrise by Montoya Lawrence, A Colourful Neighbour by Nahshon Hollis, and Fragments of Memory by Nadiyah Brown

From left to right bottom row: Leaves of Time by Phoebe Hughes, Building the Roof by Otto Trott, and Before The Tempest by Faraz Pourreza-Jorshari

The Charman Prize Best in Show

A COLOURFUL NEIGHBOUR by NAHSHON HOLLIS

The judges recognized this artist for their excellence in fulfilling all four of the judging criteria.

A technical masterpiece, a balanced composition, a clear and thoughtful vision, and a unique point of view. There is so much more to see in this work beyond just the subject; distinct textures, a dancing light, a charming smile. A snapshot that does more than show, but tells the viewer of its sentimentality.” 

The winning prize was $10,000.

Use of Materials

FRAGMENTS OF MEMORY by NADIYAH BROWN

“The technique used in this work is one that requires a meticulous hand; and a willingness to work with the material. The creases and folds within this study of memory entice the viewer to take the time and slow down to view and compose the story being told.”

The winning prize was $2,500.

A representative of Nadiyah Brown accepted on her behalf.

Design & Composition

BUILDING THE ROOF by OTTO TROTT

“This work came with a challenge by the artist, which encouraged a closer look, and the decisive composition of the piece made a closer look that much more enjoyable. A clear, thoughtful perspective, and a familiar scene brought this work to the forefront.

The winning prize was $2,500.

 

Source of Inspiration

DAWN’S EMBRACE: FLATTS BRIDGE AT SUNRISE by MONTOYA LAWRENCE

A unique moment in a unique place; this scene is one that is often overlooked for its opposing view across the bay. The artist successfully inspires us to take a second look at a scene we all feel we know through a careful balance of light, and a composition that sees the eye dance across the canvas.

The winning prize was $2,500.

Distinctive & Convincing Style

LEAVES OF TIME by PHOEBE HUGHES

“The many elements, and their careful placement in this work, speak to the creativity of the artist. A highly skilled composition, despite many layers and facets, as a viewer you feel you know the figures, or can understand them through the careful rendering of their bodies. A fresh take on a traditional art format.”

The winning prize was $2,500.

A representative of Phoebe Hughes accepted on her behalf.

People's Choice

BEFORE THE TEMPEST by FARAZ POURREZA-JORSHARI

Generously sponsored by Frameworks at ESC. This winning artwork has been voted on by the visiting public, and we received over 700 votes! The winner will receive a $250 gift certificate to Frameworks at ESC, and a matching contribution from the Museum, for Art Supplies, from the Masterworks Museum.

Masterworks Collection Prize

LEAVES OF TIME by PHOEBE HUGHES

This award is selected by the Masterworks Collection Committee, who help care for our continued exhibitions, and our Permanent Collection. This decision is made separate to the judging process, and the Committee looks for a work of art that will compliment the permanent collection, a work that is of, and/or inspired by Bermuda. Regarding their choice, the committee shared: 

“We are thrilled to add this work to our prestigious Collection. We feel that it captures an essence of Bermuda through a contemporary, and fresh perspective.”

Charman Prize 2023 Judges

We are pleased to announce the distinguished panel of judges for the upcoming Charman Prize 2023 – Dr. Madeleine Hadden, Amanda Coulson, and Karole Dill Barkley, each of whom bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the jury. In late March, they will be both judging the exhibition and connecting with artists and the broader community in a series of events to be announced.

Amanda Coulson

Amanda Coulson is a Founding Director of Tern Gallery, a contemporary art gallery and art consultancy business with a focus on emerging and mid-career artists from The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. Coulson has worked for three decades as a scholar, critic, curator, and cultural producer on both sides of the Atlantic. She was a co-founder and former creative director of Volta Art Fair (New York/Basel) and held a 10-year tenure as the Director of the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. She has collaborated with artists and institutions, and worked alongside both private and corporate colleagues in the US, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the UK and various countries in the Caribbean. 

Dr. Madeleine Haddon

Dr. Haddon is Curator of V&A East, the newest campus of the Victoria & Albert Museum, opening in 2025. Prior to joining the V&A, Madeleine was an independent curator working between London and New York. She recently curated Nuestra Casa: Rediscovering the Treasures of the Hispanic Society Museum & Library at the Hispanic Society in New York and previously worked on Matisse: The Red Studio at The Museum of Modern Art. Madeleine serves on advisory committees for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Harvard Art Museums, Athena Art Foundation, Jaipur Art Week, and the Steering Committee for The National Gallery’s Young Ambassadors. 

Karole Dill Barkley

Karole Dill Barkley is in governance, serving on the board of directors of Goldman Sachs Middle Market Lending Corp. II, and on the board of directors of CariGenetics Holdings Ltd. Dill Barkley trained as a Docent at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and has been a member of the Black Arts Council of the Museum of Modern Art for more than 20 years. Much of her art education has been informal, having taken many courses online, but predominantly learned from and working alongside respected artists, curators, and gallerists. As an arts and culture advocate, Dill Barkley brings extensive knowledge of historical and contemporary art and a unique eye.