London’s Serpentine Galleries are set to host a groundbreaking exhibition by artist Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, whose innovative approach to video games challenges traditional notions of competition and victory. Titled to reflect her philosophy, the upcoming show will immerse visitors in interactive digital worlds designed not for winning, but for fostering connection and community.
Brathwaite-Shirley, a Black trans artist and archivist, has gained international recognition for her work that centers on creating digital spaces and experiences for Black trans people. Her art often takes the form of interactive installations, digital archives, and playable games that subvert conventional gaming mechanics to prioritize safety, exploration, and collective identity.
Unlike mainstream video games where objectives often involve accumulating points, defeating opponents, or reaching a definitive end, Brathwaite-Shirley’s creations invite players into narratives that emphasize shared experiences and the construction of identity. Her environments are meticulously crafted to explore themes of Black queer lives, memory, and the possibilities of digital archives as sites of empowerment and resilience.
“My practice is about making sure that Black trans people can see themselves in the digital, that they can exist in worlds that are built for them, by them,” Brathwaite-Shirley has stated in previous discussions about her work. “It’s not about being the best or achieving a high score; it’s about finding a place, sharing a moment, and building something together within the digital realm.”
The Serpentine exhibition is expected to showcase a range of her digital creations, likely featuring large-scale projections, interactive stations, and perhaps new works that continue her exploration of relational aesthetics within digital art. Visitors will be encouraged to engage with the installations on their own terms, contributing to an evolving narrative rather than following a prescribed path to victory.
This exhibition marks a significant moment for both the art and gaming worlds, highlighting how interactive media can serve as a powerful tool for social commentary, identity affirmation, and community building. Brathwaite-Shirley’s work prompts a re-evaluation of what a “game” can be, proposing that the most profound experiences often lie not in individual triumph, but in collective presence and genuine connection.
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