The Art of Gaming: Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley's Avant-Garde Exhibition
Discover the captivating intersection of gaming and art at Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley's exhibition at Serpentine North, redefining black trans narratives.
Delve into the realm of creativity where art meets gaming, through the visionary work of Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley. Her latest project, “The Delusion,” currently on display at Serpentine North, draws inspiration from the evocative visuals and dynamic storytelling of 1990s role-playing games. This exhibition is not just an exploration of art, but an immersive experience that challenges viewers to engage with the intersection of power, bias, and belonging, ultimately centered around black trans lives.
A Journey Back to the Origins
Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley’s fascination with computer role-playing games (RPGs) from the late 20th century plays a pivotal role in her artistic journey. As she delved into “The CRPG Book: A Guide to Computer Role-Playing Games,” her curiosity led her to explore the evolution of RPGs, beginning from 1979. These retro games, constrained by technological limitations of their time, unveiled an inspiring originality in their aesthetics and storytelling.
The Artistic Palette of Game Engines
Viewing game engines as her paintbrushes, Brathwaite-Shirley embraces the limitations of past game designs to create contemporary art that resonates with raw expression. The simplicity of these bygone aesthetics, largely shaped by technological constraints, serves as a foundation upon which new narratives are built.
Interactive Art as a Catalyst for Change
“The Delusion” invites visitors into a live game playtest environment, where the audience becomes an active participant in shaping the narrative. This interactive art piece functions not only as a testament to the artistic potential of gaming technology but also as a living archive that explores diverse narratives. Equipped with flickering menus and fractured timelines, it taps into the innate curiosity of individuals, prompting them to reflect and respond to the art’s deeper messages.
A New Chapter in Art and Gaming
According to AnOther Magazine, Brathwaite-Shirley’s cutting-edge exploration offers a unique glance into how gaming can be harnessed to visualize and resist societal norms. By mining the rich tapestry of RPG visuals and their moral choices, she creates spaces for new ways of living and recognizing diverse identities, a testament to the civic potential of video game technologies.
Engage with a Living Archive
Open until January 18, 2026, at Serpentine North, “The Delusion” encourages audiences to experience art dynamically, transcending traditional viewing to become integral parts of the evolving narrative. This exhibition not only redefines the intersection of art and technology but sets a new standard for how we can engage with complex social narratives through an interactive medium.
Explore the vibrant crossroads of technology and art with Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, and witness firsthand how the landscapes of old RPGs can carve pathways to future dialogues.
