La Vaughn Belle's 'The House that Freedoms Built' Debuts at Rollins Museum
La Vaughn Belle's artwork, titled 'The House that Freedoms Built,' is set to make its debut at the Rollins Museum of Art in Winter Park, Florida, on July 24th. This installation previously premiered at Cooper Hewitt during the 2024 design triennial and will be its only other public exhibition globally. Belle, a multimedia artist, draws inspiration from the architectural styles of 18th-century homes belonging to formerly enslaved individuals in Frederiksted and Christiansted, St. Croix. The installation showcases intricate white fretwork and three house-like structures, addressing colonialism by highlighting the narratives of those who have been forgotten or marginalized. Belle has showcased her work throughout the Caribbean, the US, and Europe.
Key facts
- La Vaughn Belle's installation 'The House that Freedoms Built' debuts at Rollins Museum of Art on July 24th.
- The installation premiered at Cooper Hewitt as part of the 2024 design triennial.
- The Rollins showing is its only other public appearance worldwide.
- Belle is a multimedia artist focused on making visible erased histories.
- The work uses architectural forms inspired by 18th-century houses of formerly enslaved peoples in Frederiksted and Christiansted, St. Croix.
- The installation features lace-like white fretwork and three house-like structures.
- Belle has exhibited in the Caribbean, the US, and Europe.
Entities
Artists
- La Vaughn Belle
Institutions
- Rollins Museum of Art
- Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
- Rollins College
- Powerhouse Arts
- Smithsonian Design Triennial
Locations
- Winter Park
- Florida
- United States
- Frederiksted
- Christiansted
- St. Croix
- Caribbean
- Europe
- Rollins College campus
- New York
- U.S. Virgin Islands