New Masterworks exhibit honors Black History Month

The Bermudian flag fell, revealing a painting titled “Sisters.” The work was being dedicated to Webster Tucker, the former radio deejay who died in 2012.

The unveiling of the painting was the culmination of the opening of Masterworks' new exhibit, titled “Paint it Black”, that celebrates Black History Month.

According to Masterworks Director Tom Butterfield, Mr Tucker was instrumental in a telethon during the mid-1990s that raised enough money to ensure three portraits of cultural importance to the island would have a home in Bermuda for years to come.

The painting, “Sisters” was one of the pieces bought through the fundraising telethon in Nov. 1995.  The American artist who painted it, E. Ambrose Webster, was known as a frequent visitor to Bermuda between 1910 and 1928. The piece is from 1922.

Mr Butterfield described Mr Tucker as “without a doubt one of the most positive and optimistic people I’ve met.”

“Webster cared not about colour, creed, currency or cool; he cared passionately about people,” he said.

He added, “In putting a painting in his name, it is recognition that his work and his presence should neither be lost nor forgotten.”

The exhibit intends to reflect upon “the historical importance of these images, and embraces the island’s culture and significance through…thought provoking images,” according to Mr Butterfield.

There is a painting by Dame Jennifer Smith, a former premier, who designated the space for Masterworks.

There is a portrait of Charles Lloyd Tucker, a legendary Bermuda artist and art teacher.

Premier Craig Cannonier said the event spoke to “the gifts and talents we have in such a small place.”

There is a portrait of local emcee Kase, a Somerset resident in his mid-20s, painted by Jacqueline Alma, a 48-year-old who originally hails from South Africa.

Kase needed to pose for the painting between 500 and 600 hours. The discussions with Kase gave Ms Alma new insight into a side of Bermuda she had little knowledge of beforehand.

“There’s a side of Bermuda that people can ignore if they choose to. This gave me an idea of how everyone grows up here, how everyone thinks.”