Black Eden is a virtual sanctuary that provides a safe haven for Black individuals and offers an exploration of utopias. This space is more than just a place of refuge, as it also serves as a void that holds artifacts and objects that have been lost between space and time. Although this space doesn't fully embody the concept of utopianism or paradise, it represents Black Utopianism, which includes unfinished conversations, unresolved debates, and a sense of committed struggle in the face of the unknown, coupled with a realistic sense of subversion and collapse. This virtual space offers a place for escapism and deep reflection, examining how Black individuals have created spaces throughout history in response to racism and crafted their own mini utopias, free from the oppression of white supremacy.
I drew inspiration from two historical spaces to create this virtual world. The first is Black Eden, a popular getaway spot in Idlewild, Michigan, which served as a gateway for Black people from the 1910s to the 1960s. The second is Paradise Valley, which was a hub for Black individuals in Detroit from the early 1920s to the 1960s. With these spaces in mind, I laid the groundwork for my own version of utopia, which is based on the concept of Black individuals existing within a space as they are.
After experiencing the VR world, participants receive a ticket that reminds them to never forget these spaces. Black Eden is not just a virtual world but a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of Black individuals throughout history, and a celebration of their ingenuity and ability to create their own spaces of joy and sanctuary.
Medium: Virtual Reality, archived and personal photos, mini thermal receipt printer, collage
