La Vaughn Belle’s New Architectural Design Confronts Colonialism

The House that Freedoms Built
Courtesy of the Artist

La Vaughn Belle, The House that Freedoms Built, 2024.

The House that Freedoms Built explores the history and legacy of colonialism in the Caribbean, particularly on the island of St. Croix, which was a Danish colony for 200 years before becoming a United States territory. The architectural design and its distinctive motifs are inspired by 18th-century houses built by formerly enslaved people and by the stories of struggle, survival, and resistance that Belle uncovered in her research. Her artistic interpretation of the visual reminders of this history honors communities whose stories may otherwise be forgotten. The House That Freedoms Built invites viewers to learn about this history and reflect on how the legacy of colonization continues to impact social and cultural paradigms today.

Event Information
Start Date: July 24, 2026
End Date: January 3, 2027
Venue: Rollins Museum of Art

The House that Freedoms Built