THE HOUSE THAT FREEDOMS BUILT

About the INSTALLATION

LA VAUGHN BELLE
BORN 1974, TOBAGO, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO;
ACTIVE SAINT CROIX, US VIRGIN ISLANDS

La Vaughn Belle is a multidisciplinary artist whose work focuses on the often-forgotten colonial narratives embedded in the architecture and material culture of contemporary society. Her practice frequently centers on the Caribbean island of Saint Croix—long claimed as a territory by variousEuropean nations, including nearly 200 years as a colony of Denmark, before being sold to the US in 1916. For the entryway to the museum, Belle designed three structures inspired by the shapes of 18th-century houses built by formerly enslaved people who negotiated their freedom and were allowed to settle in Christiansted, Saint Croix. The architectural embellishment known as fretwork adorning each structure is a nod to homes in the town of Frederiksted. The community was the site of the 1878 Fireburn rebellion, an important labor revolt that resulted in much of the town being destroyed. Residents added these fretwork designs to their houses during Frederiksted’s reconstruction. Through thoughtful engagement with St. Croix’s architecture and history, Belle not only honors the legacy of resilience and creativity on the island but also invites viewers to reflect on the complex narratives of colonization and cultural heritage that continue to shape contemporary society.

ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES

Please note: Visual descriptions for the exhibition will be available soon. Thank you for your patience.