featured in a new group show at one of New York's most prestigious galleries -- the Agora Gallery, on Broadway in Soho.

This will be the third major US show for the artist whose bold and colourful work is an eye-catching mix of Afro-European modernism and, as such, is part of the increasing influence of the ethnic slant in America's main-stream art scene.

In fact, May's issue of the popular monthly magazine Upscale will focus on Robert Bassett as one of the most influential artists in "the Golden Age of Afrocentric Art''.

In that article, Mr. Bassett says that modern impressionism and primitive African Figurativism have contributed to his style. Also, he says that the strong cultural foundation of his Bermuda childhood -- such as kite-flying and gombey dancers -- is reflected in his work.

"I like art to touch on everyday life and to mirror our environment and personal experience. At the moment I am focusing on a figurative expressionist style and a theme of Bermuda folk lore.'' His paintings zero in, for the most part, on the human form, especially the face and eyes. Additionally, a great deal of symbolism is in his paintings, often reflecting another love -- jazz.

Mr. Bassett, who teaches art at Somerset Secondary School by day and paints by night ("every night!''), has doggedly pursued his style, refusing to compromise for the sake of financial reward. The results are now being viewed with increasing acclaim, both in Bermuda and the US.

Besides two one-man shows in Bermuda -- Just My Style in 1991 and Just My Style II last year -- Mr. Bassett has exhibited at the Museum of African American Art, in Los Angeles, and at the exclusive Montauk Club, in Brooklyn, New York.

He has just produced two prints from original oil works entitled The Clowne and Royalty, both of which were featured in his last Bermuda exhibit. They will be distributed throughout the US, Canada, Spain, Italy, France, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

Mr. Bassett plans to be at the Agora Gallery preview, which in normal New York fashion takes place a week after it begins. Some 2,000 guests have been invited to attend.

The Visual Language will run in New York from April 8 to 28. In July, he is planning his third one-man Bermuda exhibit.

Some of the latest creations of internationally acclaimed Bermudian Robert Bassett. Robert Bassett.