Palacio in this first of five reports on the growth of art in Bermuda.

In the past ten years art has flourished on the Island, with a greater number of artists exploring a diversity of styles and media, and an ever- broadening audience turning out to see their work.

This week The Royal Gazette's Nadia Aguiar profiles Manuel Palacio, whose most recent work with human form and sensuality brings a sense of social purpose to Bermuda's `traditional' art scene.

Next week, mother and daughter Carole Holding and Caroline Troncossi discuss the influence of international education and exposure in shaping Bermuda's new generation of artists.