If the virtual realm is land-based, can it return us back to country? Can we transcend the limits of all physical experience and knowledge to seek sovereignty within the virtual?

IRBELA, the Anaiwan word for mother and mother’s sister, is the physical manifestation of a metaverse that holds, protects and tells stories of blak womxn who have been relegated to anonymity by the white witness.


IRBELA was created by artist Gabi Briggs who invited Nayuka Gorrie, Dtarneen Onus-Browne and Meriki Onus to consider what she could hold, protect and share. Given the land-based nature of the virtual realm, could IRBELA create a space where sovereignty can exist and, in turn, provide safety and healing to our communities from colonial harm?