A virtual reality journey through inner space
Black, White + the Sacred Third is a virtual reality artwork at the intersection of creativity, technology, spirituality and the psychedelic.
Black, White + the Sacred Third is a labor of love.
And a vision I feel deeply called to bring into the world, especially now.
It’s a surreal, playful and expansive adventure in black-and-white that blends symbolism, storytelling, and mystical themes. Imagine a virtual reality medicine journey, or a guided meditation crossed with a rollercoaster in the style of op art and Escher.
Inspired by my own path – from living in NYC during 9/11, to traveling the world, surviving Hurricane Helene, navigating personal loss, and moving through deep grief, ecstasy, and transformation – this work is both intimate and archetypal.
Emotional, unusual, beautiful, alive, and unlike anything else, Black, White + the Sacred Third is part of the next wave of immersive storytelling.
In-person showcase
Our recent In-Person Showcase at the Wortham Center in Asheville, NC
In late August, about 60 of us gathered at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in Asheville for the very first showcase of Black, White + the Sacred Third – my immersive virtual reality artwork in progress.
It was such a powerful night, and truly felt like the beginning of something larger taking shape (and it is!). I’m deeply grateful for the generous contributions made that evening and online, which are already helping to carry this vision forward.
Envisioning of Black, White + the Sacred Third presented in a museum
Here’s a glimpse of the visual inspiration behind the project…
Annie Lewis, my amazing emcee
A still from the “Mandala of Light” sequence of the presentation
What’s next –
I’m continuing to fundraise for Black, White + the Sacred Third, planning the next events, and exploring new ways to bring this vision to life. Since several folks have asked, yes, I’m considering the possibility of another Asheville gathering. There will also likely be an online event soon, and I’m also exploring the idea of fundraising in other cities.
Who…
Hi. I’m Summer (aka Libra Zebra), the creator of Black, White + the Sacred Third.
I’m an artist and designer based in Asheville, North Carolina. I’ve always loved combining art, design and technology in innovative ways to create new things, whether it was an innovative screen-based digital clock I prototyped in NYC, or a line of 3D printed fashion jewelry created in San Francisco. My time as Director of Visual Design at Magic Leap, a Florida-based augmented reality wearable device company, expanded my creative vision; I realized there was so much untapped potential within XR technologies for visual beauty and storytelling.
Now I’m following that vision.
“It’s a surreal, playful and expansive adventure in black-and-white that blends symbolism, storytelling, and mystical themes. Imagine a virtual reality medicine journey, or a guided meditation crossed with a rollercoaster in the style of op art and Escher.”
– Summer Powell, Creator of Black, White and the Sacred Third
The “Why” behind this artwork
I’m sharing my gifts with the world through this creation – my love, beauty, peace, passion, playfulness, fun and weirdness. I’m sharing my grief, wisdom, healing and power. I’m sharing my medicine with the world.
This work is a virtual reality psychedelic medicine journey. It is an activation, an invitation and a living alchemy. It’s about facing your fears, having fun with it, and is a window to transformation.
This artwork is about paradox and pattern – weaving a life from contrasting threads. It’s about recognizing old patterns and having the courage to shift, break or dissolve them. And to create something entirely new.
Through this art, I share my own journey through the polarities of “light and dark.” I explore my shadow, dance with, confront, wrestle with, play with, befriend and ultimately transmute it.
This alchemy of grief and shadow into harmony and power speaks to what so many of us are moving through, both individually and collectively. In a world of contrast and division, this artwork asks, “How do we hold it all? How do we alchemize the polarities of our current realities?” I hope this artwork helps people to gain new perspectives; see things in a different light.
This creation has been a portal of transformation for me. It has taken me through an unraveling and a new becoming. It has helped me to alchemize life-changing experiences, including surviving Hurricane Helene, and my father’s passing. This work is deeply personal. It is both intimate and archetypal, and I hope it also serves others, offering resonance, reflection and inspiration for their own journey.
“Black, White + the Sacred Third is a groundbreaking fusion of art, technology, and storytelling – symbolic, surreal, and emotionally alive. It invites us into a new kind of immersive experience, where the mystical meets the modern.”
With Gratitude
Thank you to the visionary supporters helping bring Black, White + the Sacred Third to life.
I appreciate you so much.
Interested in supporting Black, White + the Sacred Third as an individual or corporate sponsor? I’d welcome your support. Please get in touch by email at blackandwhite@librazebra.vision to discuss options.
Say hello
Curious about the project?
Interested in supporting it?
Want to explore collaboration, sponsorship, or press opportunities?
Or just want to say hi?
I’d love to hear from you.
Fill out the form or reach out directly at blackandwhite@librazebra.vision, and I’ll get back to you soon.