2022 Bermuda Biennial at Bermuda National Gallery

Shooting predominantly in black and white, Richard Saunders (Bermudian/American 1922 – 1987) applied an artist's approach to documentary photography.

Like his mentor Gordon Parkes, Saunders was born into segregation. The realities of institutional racism in Bermuda propelled him to leave the island and shaped the direction of his photographic career.

With an instinctive eye for framing the shot and playing with visual cues, his striking photographs, which were published in Ebony, Life, Time and the New York Times, provide a unique way of seeing.

To celebrate the Bermuda National Gallery's 30th anniversary we will be presenting a selection of photographs by Richard Saunders from the BNG's permanent collection. Taken in the 1950s – 1970s the works in the exhibition both capture a distinct moment in time and leave a graphic impression characterised by pattern, repetition and contrast.  

The exhibition opens on June 23 and will run through to February 2023.