Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley's 'The Rebirthing Room' at Studio Voltaire merges gaming with Black trans archive

At Studio Voltaire in London, Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley's interactive installation, 'The Rebirthing Room' (2024), fosters a pro-Black, pro-trans environment through the use of video game elements. Attendees engage with six demons—self-doubt, anxiety, fear of failure, intolerance, addiction, and low self-esteem—controlled by a hooded figure. The installation incorporates 1990s RPG visuals and personal trauma stories, delivering either transformative messages or critical insights. This project expands on Brathwaite-Shirley's efforts to archive Black trans narratives, previously showcased in 'Blacktransarchive.com' (2020) and 'Blacktransrevolution.com' (2023). Her earlier works include 'Get Home Safe' (2022) and sculptures displayed at the 2023 Helsinki Biennial. The exhibition is open until 28 April, emphasizing the blend of digital and real-world experiences.