A new mural on Front Street is drawing attention not only for its vibrant colours, but also for the story it tells about St. Maarten’s identity, culture, and connection to the sea.
Muralist Bernica Michel, also known as Nicalabelle, recently completed a large-scale mural at Zhaveri, located at 68 Front Street near the Cyrus Wathey square. The piece, measuring approximately 12 by 6 metres, took about six weeks to complete and was finalised around February 10.
The mural blends imagery of the traditional Ponum dance with marine life, creating a visual narrative that reflects both the cultural and natural elements of the island.
“The concept was to represent both the cultural and natural identity of the island,” Michel explained. “By blending the Ponum dance with marine life, I wanted to show the connection between the community, the land, and the sea.”
The project was commissioned by Zhaveri, with the artist collaborating closely with the business to develop the final design.
Beyond its visual appeal, the mural carries a deeper message. Michel said the work is intended to foster a sense of recognition and empowerment within the community.
“Seeing yourself reflected on a large scale can psychologically enhance confidence and self-esteem,” she noted. “Incorporating the Ponum dance is about holding up a mirror to the community, celebrating cultural beauty, and fostering pride in both our heritage and environment.”
Michel, a Haitian-born artist based in St. Maarten, has been creating murals professionally since 2021. Her first mural on the island, a Lion King-themed piece on Back Street, was completed in collaboration with Be the Change Foundation.
Largely self-taught, Michel has been immersed in art from a young age. Growing up in Haiti, she was encouraged to develop her creative skills early on and was a finalist in the FCCA art competition around age 10. She later pursued her education abroad before returning to St. Maarten, where she has continued to build her artistic career.
Over the years, her work has appeared across the island in both public and private spaces, including murals at Sandbar, Seaview Beach Hotel, Airbnbs, and community projects with organisations such as Art Saves Lives and Be the Change. She also contributed to a mural inside the St. Maarten Library through the SXM Doet initiative.
Michel works primarily with mixed media, often experimenting with different techniques to achieve her desired results. While many of her murals are publicly accessible, some are located in private residences and commercial spaces.
In addition to murals, the artist continues to expand her creative portfolio. She is currently exploring custom furniture design and working on painted surfboards for Brand Carib at International Liquors.
Despite her growing body of work, Michel remains focused on community impact and collaboration.
“I’m always open to working with businesses and community groups,” she said. “Public art has the power to transform everyday spaces into something meaningful and inspiring.”
Her latest mural on Front Street stands as another example of that vision, turning a prominent location into a reflection of St. Maarten’s culture, movement, and natural beauty.
Michel can be contacted via Instagram at @Nicalabelle or through her art page @labelleart.
