Art Exhibition To Showcase Hollis Siblings

Bermudian siblings Nahshon Hollis and Shanna Hollis will showcase their exceptional talents in their first collaborative exhibition, entitled ‘Complementary.’

A spokesperson said, “Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art presents Complementary, the first collaborative exhibition by Bermudian siblings Nahshon Hollis and Shanna Hollis. Curated by Jasmine Lee, the exhibition will be on view from August 21st to October 3rd. The opening reception will take place on Friday, August 21st, from 5:30–7pm, in the Rick Faries Gallery at Masterworks.

“Born and raised in the same home, Nahshon and Shanna Hollis have developed distinctly different artistic voices while returning again and again to shared themes of identity, environment, community, resilience, and the Bermudian experience. Their joint exhibition brings these perspectives together, revealing how two contrasting approaches can create a fuller picture of the people and places that shape them.

“Nahshon Hollis is known for his hyperrealistic oil paintings, and Complementary also marks the debut of his graphic style. Building on his Charman Prize-winning portrait of his sister, A Colourful Neighbour, Hollis draws inspiration from both Shanna’s visual language and the subjects closest to his home and heart.

“His backyard garden, the flora and fauna of Bermuda, and the natural world become central subjects, carrying personal associations of comfort, familiarity, and belonging. Throughout the work, themes of growth, resilience, refuge, and connection emerge, reflecting both his relationship with the natural environment and the deeper emotional significance he finds within it.

“Shanna Hollis presents bold and vibrant graphic works exploring the complexities of Bermudian identity through two interconnected bodies of work. The first examines the significance of the ‘Bermuda Smile’ and the role it has played in shaping the island’s identity. Through themes of mental health, island fever, service and hospitality, and Bermuda’s history, Hollis considers the layers beneath the warmth and friendliness for which Bermudians are known. Rather than presenting the smile simply as an expectation, she reimagines it as a symbol of resilience.

“This idea connects to the story of Sally Bassett, who was executed in 1730 and, according to Bermudian folklore, left behind a Bermudiana growing from her ashes. Drawing on this imagery, Hollis transforms the Bermudiana into a smiling character she calls the ‘Happy Bermudiana,’ a symbol of the enduring spirit, resilience, and complexity of the Bermudian people.

“The second body of work continues Hollis’ ongoing illustration series, ‘The People’s Collection,’ first introduced at the BSoA Emerging Artist Exhibition in 2019. Created in her distinctive flat, graphic style, the collection initially focused on Bermudian people, experiences, and subjects not often represented in local imagery. When the series continued in Masterworks’ 441 exhibition in 2021, viewers drew comparisons between the work and vintage Bermuda travel posters.

“Shanna’s work in the exhibition spans illustration, poetry, painting, sculpture, and product design, expanding Hollis’ bold graphic language across multiple mediums.

“Together, the works of Nahshon and Shanna explore what is close to home, both physically and emotionally, while considering the ways two distinct artistic voices can influence, contrast, and ultimately complement one another.

“The exhibition’s title speaks to the relationship between the two artists: individually, their practices are distinct; together, they complement one another. Complementary explores the space between quiet observation and expressive storytelling, tradition and pop culture, solitude and connection, ultimately offering a richer portrait of Bermuda, family, resilience, and the ways different perspectives can exist in harmony.

Key Dates

• Opening Reception: Friday, August 21, 5:30–7pm
• Artist Talk: Thursday, September 10, 5:30–7pm
• All-Ages Workshop: Linocut Tote Printing with Shanna Hollis: Saturday, September 12, 10am–12pm
• Museum Late: Friday, October 2, 5–7:30pm
• Exhibition on view: August 21–October 3

“For more information about the artists, exhibition or upcoming programmes, please visit www.masterworksbermuda.org.”

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