Thursday, January 15, 6-8pm, ODC Theater, SF
An exclusive preview a visionary virtual reality artwork by artist Summer Powell
Thursday, January 15, 6–8pm • ODC Theater, San Francisco
This one-night presentation offers a rare inside look at the creative, emotional, and symbolic process behind this transformative immersive artwork-in-development
Join the San Francisco Event
January 15 at ODC Theater at 351 Shotwell St.
Join me for an exclusive one-night presentation of Black, White + the Sacred Third, a visionary VR artwork-in-development by artist Summer Powell (Libra Zebra) at the intersection of creativity, technology, spirituality, and the psychedelic, with themes of inner healing and personal transformation woven throughout.
This one-night presentation offers a rare inside look at the creative, emotional, and symbolic process behind this immersive artwork-in-development. Surreal, playful, and expansive, the work blends symbolism, meditative storytelling, and shifting architectural illusions –
Imagine a guided medicine journey crossed with a rollercoaster in the style of op art and Escher.
I’ll share the story, visuals, evolution, and future vision of the artwork, followed by a Q&A for deeper connection and conversation.
If the vision resonates, you’ll have an opportunity to support bringing this transformative VR artwork to life.
Seating is limited - RSVP now!
This is a headset-free presentation – a personal talk by the artist about the vision behind Black, White + the Sacred Third. No virtual reality equipment or immersive hardware will be used or required.
“I attended the opening event for Black, White, + the Sacred Third and was deeply moved. The beauty, artistry, and perspective-shifting healing woven into the experience took my breath away. Summer Powell has created something truly extraordinary; an immersive journey that delights the senses, expands the mind, and gently heals the heart.”
– Dr. Deb Barnett
A Collaboration with Legendary Composer George Sanger
I’m thrilled to announce my collaboration with George “The Fat Man” Sanger, a pioneering composer and audio director whose work has shaped interactive sound for over four decades. With 250+ game audio design credits, George is widely regarded as a foundational figure in immersive and experiential audio.
His career includes landmark interactive media work with Lucasfilm Games (including Loom).
George previously served as Audio Director at Magic Leap during the company’s breakthrough years in augmented reality.
George is shaping the audio world of Black, White + the Sacred Third, bringing rare mastery to immersive audio and experiential storytelling. In concert with the visuals, sound shapes perception, guides emotional flow, and carries the story through the work’s exploration of art, technology, and consciousness.
Black, White + the Sacred Third is a virtual reality artwork at the intersection of creativity, technology, spirituality and the psychedelic.
Recent Events:
Asheville Showcase
Scenes from our recent 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
“There is a deep healing in Summer Powell’s vision of her new VR experience - imagine being immersed in Art, becoming one with the artistic experience, merging heart and mind. “
– David Cable
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 experiencing 911 in NYC, my father’s passing, and surviving Hurricane Helene. 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.
"Summer is a visionary. I was inspired by her confidence and poise as she shared her original and inspiring bold plan for this uniquely immersive experience. I can't wait to see the project come to fruition, locally and internationally!"
– Megan Hearne
Who…
Hi. I’m Summer (aka Libra Zebra), the creator of Black, White + the Sacred Third.
I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of art, design, and technology – creating experiences that didn’t quite exist yet, from temporary technological tattoos prototyped in grad school at Cranbrook Academy of Art, to an experimental screen-based digital clock developed at my NYC design firm, to a line of 3D-printed fashion jewelry created in San Francisco.
My time as Director of Visual Design at Magic Leap expanded my creative vision even further, revealing just how much untapped potential exists within XR technologies for visual beauty, depth, and storytelling.
Now I’m following that vision – working at the edge of art, technology, and consciousness to create immersive experiences that shift perception and invite something new to emerge.
“The unique, imaginative insight and power of lyrical expression in Summer's liberating and creatively impactful vision is a compelling invitation to allow yourself to become thoroughly immersed, transported, and to fully engage all the senses in an exquisitely transcendent reality bend of spirituality, brilliant art and pioneering technology.
Left with the eager anticipation of the final fulfillment and completion of this bold project, it is an honor and delight to fully expect Black, White + the Sacred Third to touch and reach audiences well beyond theaters, with lasting effect in educational and medical applications as well.”
– Terry Hunter
Black, White + the Sacred Third is a labor of love.
It’s 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.
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.