Opening at 12:30 on Sunday, February 1st at the Seaside Gallery, which is owned an operated by JMB Balogh is the debut public exhibition of work by SL photographer Slatan Dryke.
As its name suggests, Scenes features images captured from around Second Life which each create a vignette of their own, each with a little story to tell. Most of the images (if not all) have been taken at well-known locations in Second Life, but such is the angle and nature of each picture, the locations aren’t always easy to identify.
A considered use of colour and lighting is evident in the images, affording them a unique look and feel. Slatan states that he rarely uses post-processing to enhance his images, relying purely on his eye and SL’s windlight capabilities. This has given rise to some very striking pictures, some of which are included in this exhibition, such as Jaundiced Sepia (seen at the top of this article, on the left). There is such a beautiful quality about this one piece that were it not for the recognisable form of the little café, the eye could be so easily fooled into believing it to be a picture taken in the physical world; the bicycle in particular looking as if it is simply awaiting a delivery boy to jump onto the saddle and pedal off on his rounds. Slatan himself poses in a couple of the images, and with Muse Amplitude (directly above on the left) in particular, this again gives the piece an added depth.
With 18 pieces on display, this is not a large exhibition, although a number of Slatan’s animated sculptures are also on display as well, and available for purchase alongside the pictures. I’d perhaps like to have seen the images themselves a little smaller in size, if only to see one or two more included. But this isn’t a complaint; rather an admission that I found myself rather attracted to some of the pieces presented – I mentioned two above – and would like to see others the artist has which encompass a similar theme and / or approach.
A a debut exhibition, scenes serves as an excellent introduction to Slatan’s work for those unfamiliar with it, and I look forward to see his work displayed in other galleries in SL.
Related Links
- The Seaside Galley (Rated: Moderate)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 
Thank you Inara for your very thoughtful and positive review of Slatan Dryke’s exhibit at my Seaside Gallery. I have always admired his photographic “eye” and rather different take on composition and his dramatic use of colour and was happy to host his exhibit.
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Thank you for the feedback! I actually took a sneak peek ahead of the opening, as Slaton passed me a note card. You’ve got a delightful gallery space there, Jo, and it’s good to see Slaton being able to bring his work to a wider audience. Thanks!
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Thank you Inara for your wonderful review, you got the essence of my photography, who reveals what I call my kernel -) This is a source of pride for a rookie like me, and a good reason to motivate my passion for the next works.
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Thank you, Slatan – and thank you for the invitation to the opening. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it, but unfortunately it clashed with physical world needs. I did, however, enjoy slipping into Jo’s gallery for my little sneak peek ahead of the opening! Please do keep me informed of your opportunities to exhibit your work.
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