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Bermudian Artist Shanna Hollis: Celebrating Community, Heritage, and Identity Through Art
Bermuda’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history are visible at the heart of this island’s ever-evolving arts scene. Shanna Hollis, a Bermudian artist whose work speaks to the island’s identity, heritage, and collective experience is known for her bold, thought-provoking murals. Hollis uses her art to not only express her personal journey but also to connect the community in meaningful ways.
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Celebrating Bermuda Through Public Art
Hollis’ murals can be found across Bermuda, each one telling a different story that reflects the island's diverse history and culture. Her works go beyond simple decoration; they serve as visual narratives that capture the spirit of Bermuda’s multifaceted identity. From bustling urban streets to serene coastal views, her art brings the essence of Bermuda to life, blending tradition with contemporary perspectives.
One of Hollis’ most significant projects is the mural ‘UnSettled Freedom’ (2024). Located in St George’s King’s Square, near the Ducking Stool, this piece stands as a testament to Bermuda's rich cultural heritage and evolving identity. Curated in collaboration with cultural heritage partners such as the Bermuda National Trust and Long Story Short, ‘UnSettled Freedom’ represents Bermuda's multi-faceted and ever-changing World Heritage.
‘UnSettled Freedom’ is more than just a mural; it's a reflection of Bermuda’s complex history and the diverse stories that make up the island's heritage. Through this piece, Hollis explores themes of freedom, identity, and change, capturing the nuances of Bermuda’s journey through time. Her use of bold, expressive imagery invites viewers to reflect on the island’s past while also celebrating its present and looking toward its future.
This project exemplifies Hollis’ ability to blend artistic expression with cultural storytelling. By engaging with historical elements and contemporary narratives, she offers a space for reflection, conversation, and appreciation of Bermuda's unique heritage. The painting consists of three panels:
1505 - 1675
1505 Juan de Bermudez
Sir George Somers, Captain of the Sea Venture
1609 Wreck of the Sea Venture
1612 Town of St. George founded
1612 St. Peter's Church—Their Majesties Chappell established
1614 Fort St. Catherine constructed with other early Bermuda forts
1616 First African and Native American arrive in Bermuda
1616-1650 Enslaved people (or Bermudians) dive for pearls, sugar cane and tobacco
1675 Wampanoag Chief Metacomet’s family is later enslaved in Bermuda
1730 - 1834
1730 Sarah 'Sally' Bassett's declared guilt in her State House trial
1775 Gunpowder Plot sways the American Revolutionary War
1782 Towne Hall constructed and in continuous use since
1795 Royal Navy's east end base and shipbuilding, especially Bermuda sloops
1796 Pilot James 'Jemmy' Darrell granted freedom for his maritime skill
1816 The first Peppercorn Ceremony held
1818 King's Square named for King George III
1834 Emancipation of enslaved people across the British Empire
1844 - 2000
1844 Joseph Henry Thomas makes major contributions to the Bermuda's Friendly Society movement
1862 Later US Congressman Joseph Hayne Rainey becomes a St. George's barber
1902 first Cup Match cricket match
1931 Railway Trail across Bermuda ending in St. George’s
1944 Comet Boat first race
1946 Kindley Field US Naval Base established, site of L.F. Wade airport today
1959 Civil Right Movement and desegregation in Bermuda
1968 East End Mini Yacht Club established
1982/3 St. George’s Colts
2000 UNESCO inscribes the ‘Historic Town of St. George and Related Fortifications’ as a World Heritage Site
Shanna continues to make a significant impact on the Bermudian arts scene, not only through her captivating murals but also by inspiring others to explore their creative potential. By inviting the community into her art-making process, she encourages a sense of shared ownership and pride in Bermuda’s cultural expression.
Her work is a celebration of identity, heritage, and community, capturing the essence of what it means to be Bermudian. Through her distinctive style and commitment to public engagement, Shanna has established herself as a pivotal figure in Bermuda's artistic landscape, helping to shape the island's narrative and celebrate its rich, diverse culture.
