Artist Zachary Marshall is exhibiting his latest watercolours in the Rick Faries Gallery in the Masterworks Museum. There are 27 paintings in the exhibition titled, What Labyrinth? I Live Here.

While Marshall’s paintings are related to surrealism, I would not classify them as surrealist. Indeed, all things considered, surrealism is mostly a literary and art movement from the 1920s and 1930s, and was then associated with political causes, such as communism and anarchy. It seems that the Second World War knocked the life out of it.

Given that background, Marshall’s paintings may be considered as neo-surrealist, however, Marshall himself denies that possibility. He does not see his art as belonging to any particular camp.

It is noteworthy that people frequently use surrealism synonymously for any art form that is in any way fantastic. That is understandable but strictly speaking, incorrect.

Actually Marshall’s art is more that of fantasy and mystery. Also to a degree, his paintings, while not copying the art of others, often hint of elements in the art of a variety of artists, such as El Greco, the symbolist painters, especially Arnold Bocklin, de Chirico and the metaphysical school, Chagall, Picasso, also Dali and others.

Zachary Marshall was born in Bermuda in 1992, but now lives in New York City. He is a 2014 graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design.

Marshall’s art, while making reference to the art of other times and places, also references Bermuda. As a Bermudian, Bermuda naturally creeps into his art obviously as architecture, but also as Bermuda colours – or are they Greek colours? Could be both.

In a recent talk at Masterworks, he spoke of his Greek heritage through his mother’s family, but having spent time in Greece myself, there is much that Bermuda shares with Greece; our colours for sure, as well as certain plants and even architectural features such as whitewashed houses against blue sky. I am also aware that traditionally, on Greek islands, they collected rainwater in tanks. Sounds familiar.

While perusing the exhibition catalogue, I noticed the absence of titles and that each painting was enumerated by means of a Roman numeral. Having consulted with Marshall about that, he said each painting is part of a series, with the exhibition title being the overall title of the series with each work being possibly part of a labyrinth. Is Marshall likening his place of abode to a labyrinth?

On the other hand, the labyrinth originally was a Greek concept, so is this instead a nod to Greek mythology, recalling Knossos, the Minotaur and Theseus and his Greek heritage? Could be.

This is a fascinating exhibition. I recommend it, as it is thought provoking, also puzzling. It is a show that you may have to somewhat work through and that is a good thing.

• The exhibition was curated by Max Grange in collaboration with the artist Zachary Marshall. It continues through February 4, 2025