Invited by the Bermuda National Gallery to express themselves, local students have responded enthusiastically in paper, on paper and even without paper.

The gallery's annual student art competition has as its theme this year Bermuda: Past, Present and Future, and was inspired by the autumn exhibition, 4 Centuries: Evolving Arts. Over 350 entries were received from 14 different schools, and the work produced by the youngsters is strong evidence that art in Bermuda is continuing to evolve and mature.

This year any medium could be used, and, as gallery director Lisa Howie noted: "As a result we have a terrific variety of personal expression." In encouraging community support for this initiative, she added: "Perhaps now more than ever our youth need opportunities like this to express themselves; and community validation of their creative efforts."

Work included paper collage, three-dimensional work in wire and in papier mache, a collection of bas-relief, hexagonal tiles, photography and even hand-crafted books, as well as the more traditional two-dimensional paint on paper.

Young artists were required to include an artist's statement with their submission. These statements have been attached to the artwork, and provide an interesting insight into the thought processes of Bermuda's youngsters.

The work has been arranged in age groups throughout the gallery, and makes a striking statement about our culture as viewed by young people. They are very much aware of current events, local and global, and technology – televisions, remote controlled cars, and robots, for example – features prominently. Year 6 Warwick Academy student Alex Mason speaks for many: "We must start to stop the violence! Just about everyday you're watching the news you see people report about violence. The violence in Bermuda is unbelievable."

Though for a number the present is sad, the future looks bright. Malaikah Abdul-Jabbar, a seven-year-old student from Victor Scott Primary, noted: "People are not taking care of Bermuda. Bermuda is dying." In the future, however: "People started taking very good care of Bermuda because Bermuda didn't look pretty. Now Bermuda is beautiful again."

These sentiments are echoed by Maxine Somers, who declares: "Bermuda will be as beautiful as the flowers of the past."

The exhibition opened on January 5 and will run until January 16. The winners of the competition will be announced on January 14 at the awards ceremony, which will take place at the Bermuda National Gallery from 4 – 5.30 p.m.

The Bermuda National Gallery, located in the City Hall on Church Street, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.