Sheena Rose
Biography
"Since my diagnosis, I have observed and admired these athletes’ lives, determinations, and passions."
Sheena Rose is a visual artist who works in Barbados. Sheena is a Fulbright Scholar and holds an MFA in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
As a multi-disciplinary artist, her practice comprises paintings, drawings, performance art, new media, public art, and mixed media, and has exhibited internationally. Sheena has been a participant in Biennials, Museums, Galleries, Art Fairs, Festivals, Auctions, international artist’s residencies, and Art Collections, and has been featured in many media, newspapers, and magazines, book covers such as The New York Times, Travel & Leisure Magazine, Vogue, Hospitality Design, White Wall, WeTransfer, Black Futures, Fox Television Empire Season 6, The Star Side of Bird Hill written by Naomi Jackson.
In 2019, Sheena created a two-story mural at the Inter-American Development Bank Headquarters in Washington DC, and created nine feet tall women mural for an exhibition called “The Other Side of Now” in the Perez Art Museum Miami. When she officially started her company called Sheena Rose Inc., the artist won the DSM Public Art Foundation commission to design 7 bus shelters in 6th Avenue Corridor, Iowa USA, and many other art projects to develop shortly.
In 2020, Sheena was one of the recipients of the Greensboro School of Art Distinguished Alumni award and in 2022, she was nominated and awarded by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley for Culture
Artist Photo Credit: Stephan Marshall
"In 2020, I was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself. Therefore, I was told by my doctor that I was only limited to soft exercises such as yoga and swimming. Since my diagnosis, I have observed and admired these athletes’ lives, determinations, and passions. In the paintings, I want to capture these celebrations, dreams, strategies, achievements, and historic moments. I imagined myself celebrating at these sports events!"
Sheena Rose is a visionary visual artist based in Barbados, whose remarkable journey and profound artistic contributions have left an indelible mark on the international art scene. A Fulbright Scholar, Sheena holds an MFA in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her multi-disciplinary practice encompasses paintings, drawings, performance art, new media, public art, and mixed media, showcasing her versatile talent and innovative approach to art.
In 2020, Sheena faced a life-altering diagnosis of Lupus, an autoimmune disease that necessitated a shift to gentler forms of exercise, such as yoga and swimming. This diagnosis, however, did not hinder her creative spirit. Instead, it fueled her admiration for athletes—their determination, passion, and the vibrancy of their celebrations. In her paintings, Sheena captures these elements, portraying the celebrations, dreams, strategies, achievements, and historic moments of sports events, and imagining herself as part of these exhilarating experiences.
Sheena's artistic prowess has earned her participation in numerous prestigious Biennials, Museums, Galleries, Art Fairs, Festivals, Auctions, international artist residencies, and Art Collections. Her work has been prominently featured in renowned media outlets, newspapers, and magazines, including The New York Times, Travel & Leisure Magazine, Vogue, Hospitality Design, White Wall, WeTransfer, Black Futures, and Fox Television's Empire Season 6. Sheena’s art also graces the cover of Naomi Jackson's book, "The Star Side of Bird Hill."
One of Sheena's significant achievements includes the creation of a two-story mural at the Inter-American Development Bank Headquarters in Washington DC in 2019. She also crafted a nine-foot-tall mural for "The Other Side of Now" exhibition at the Perez Art Museum Miami. That same year marked the establishment of Sheena Rose Inc., under which she won the DSM Public Art Foundation commission to design seven bus shelters along the 6th Avenue Corridor in Iowa, USA. Her influence continues to grow with many more projects in development.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts, Sheena received the Greensboro School of Art Distinguished Alumni award in 2020. In 2022, she was further honored by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley for her cultural impact.
Sheena Rose’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. Her work not only enriches the cultural tapestry of Barbados but also resonates globally, inspiring countless individuals with her passion and dedication to her craft.
