THE Bermuda National Gallery opens its Biennial this weekend, with organisers lauding the collection of contemporary art as the "best ever".

Featuring 82 juried works, the Bacardi Limited 2004 Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Bermuda Art is a collection of pieces completed in the past two years by 42 resident artists in a wide range of media.

"When the Bermuda National Gallery initiated the concept of a Biennial exhibition in 1994, we had a long-term vision," said gallery director Laura Gorham in a special presentation to members of the island's media yesterday.

"On one level, we sought to actively engage living Bermuda artists, and on another to encourage, nurture and challenge the artistic community to create contemporary work that we would showcase internationally.

"This exhibition demonstrates a maturity, diversity and depth of quality that is absolutely remarkable for a community of Bermuda's size. In our opinion, it stands comparison with any contemporary art world-wide."

Kendal Henry, manager of the Permanent Art Programme for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Arts for Transit in New York, and Bruce Katsiff, director and CEO of the James A. Michener Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, selected this year's Biennial collection from 413 submissions by 96 artists.

It includes new work by names familiar to past Biennials ? Graham Foster, Amy Evans and Sharon Wilson; recognised artists who have never shown in the Biennial ? Mark Emmerson, Sheilagh Head and Kendra Ezekiel; and a wave of less familiar artists ? Sue Grass, Rebecca Payne and Kathy Harriott.

Mr. Henry and Mr. Katsiff praised the quality of the pieces submitted, saying their range was reflective of Bermuda's level of sophistication.

"The range of media, the diversity of styles and the multitude of individual voices presented by Bermudian artists we encountered in the Biennial submissions left no doubt that the visual arts are alive and well across the entire island," they said in a joint statement.

"There was no question in our minds that the available talent far exceeded the available wall space.

"It takes courage for an artist to present their work to a jury for review."

According to Ms Gorham, one of the Biennial's aims is to introduce local artists to the "wider art world". And it is with that in mind, that jurors with the experience of Mr. Henry and Mr. Katsiff, are brought from abroad for the selection process.

"The BNG is immensely proud that 96 Bermuda artists this year felt they were working to a high enough standard to be ready to be judged by international eyes," she said. "We hope the selection process has been a positive experience for the artists involved.

"We congratulate the 42 whose work has been chosen, and we commend all those who were unsuccessful and hope that they will continue to create and submit again in 2006."

The 2004 Biennial received equally high praise from gallery curator David Mitchell, who cited it as evidence of Bermuda's maturing arts scene.

"The standard of this exhibition is the highest ever and proof that museum quality work is being produced right here in Bermuda, not just New York or other major art centres," he said yesterday.

"Contemporary art is a vital social force that extends beyond the art world and into the broader culture.

"During the past decade a new generation of Bermudian artists has emerged. Their inquiries are wider, more challenging and diverse in terms of their artistic reference compared to their predecessors.

"These artists, some young, some more mature returnees to the island, are not challenging the positions of the established artists but are moving into new arenas altogether. They are tackling the complex reality of modern life, reflecting the global nature of art today."

The Bacardi Limited 2004 Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Bermuda Art opens to the general public on Saturday and remains on display through September 3. The gallery is open 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is free.