The dark side of the Island’s luxurious vegetation emerged as the theme of a photo study by Paul Hardy Carter, artist in residence for the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art.

Verdant, an exhibition of the British artist’s works created during his stay, goes on display today with a 5.30pm reception at the gallery.

“I find something sinister about plants — it’s like the folk memory of bad things happening in the deep, dark woods,” Mr Carter said.

Particularly in Bermuda, where plants grow quickly, he gets the sense that “humanity is just holding them back — and if we turn our backs any length of time, vegetation is going to take over”.

The title of the show is something of a paradox: his 21 photographs are careful studies in black and white, with an eye to the shadows and textures.

“I’ve always said that I don’t really like colour photography — it looks false to me; it looks fake,” Mr Carter said. “It’s a popular misconception that colour looks more realistic. I don’t think it is.”

Taking rambling walks along the Railway Trail and other parts of the Island, Mr Carter captured a range of shots that remained unseen until he developed them back in his London studio.

Gnarled roots and clutches of vine, and an attention to the shadows, came out in the careful selection of the final retrospective.

It alternates with bright watercolours: studies of the sea views with which Bermuda tends to be associated.

The initial plan had been for portraits, but Mr Carter came to find that he was “forcing it”, deciding to follow his instincts.

“It’s a residency, not an assignment — the idea is to be inspired by the place you’re in.”

The inclusion of 13 paintings with the gothic-toned photography on display in the Rick Faries gallery helps bring balance to the show, he added.

“People would say to me, when they knew I was working on the Island taking photographs, that it was such a great place for artists because of the colours,” he said.

“When I said I was working in black and white, they would get a look of mystification.”

The show will be on display at Masterworks until the 21st.

Read Wayne Dill’s review of the Charman Prize 2015 on page 11