How we might describe Second Life to someone unfamiliar with the platform is can often be something of a conundrum. Leaving aside the hoary old “is it or isn’t it a game” element of such discussions†, Second Life can be hard to quantify because it is so utterly diverse in terms of content, opportunity and attitude (on the part of those of us using it). The third of these points will always be a primary influence on how we each opt to define the platform, simply because it is so personal; however, the first two – content and opportunity – do offer a richness of scope in helping to describe Second Life.
This richness is at the heart of Gabriel Chamerberlin’s exhibition the Traveller, which opened on November 5th, 2023, at the Starborn Gallery operated and curate by Lizbeth Morningstar. This cosy selection of pieces spread cross the two levels of the gallery’s guest exhibition space is a visual narrative of one man’s journey through Second Life, exposing many of the elements which can make it so engaging a place in which to spend time.
Featuring the titular individual, as played by Gabriel himself, the dozen pieces within the collection illustrate – generally in a very subtle manner – the rich diversity of Second Life, complete with touches here and there of metaphor, whilst also presenting a short visual story of the experiences and encounters of the part of The Traveller as he goes about – well, his travels!
The metaphor is visible from the start – The Traveller and the Tunnel – the tunnel with its dark interior representing the “great unknown” of Second Life one might face when launching the viewer for the first time. Alongside of it, The Traveller and The Train uses the comedic metaphor of hanging on for dear life to a speeding train to represent the whirlwind of sensations and experiences which can be felt and had on entering Second Life and being overcome with the desire to See It All. Now!
Continuing on around the pieces in order and to the upper level of the gallery, we are offered views familiar to travellers in the physical world which offer subtle hints and the niggles we can have with SL as a platform, such as at times having to sit and wait for things to happen / update, or having to deal minor irritants (The Traveller and Airport Security and The Layover), through to the more obvious facets of SL’s uniqueness – encounters with haunted houses and aliens, the opportunity to be involved in the performing arts, the marvels of creativity.
Following the images around the walls and back towards the stairs connecting the two floors, we come to The Edge, which although the gallery’s layout means it is initially encountered mid-way through a walk through the exhibition, I take to be the conclusion of the story. I say this because it features our Traveller standing on the edge of the precipice, the path he’s been following literally breaking up at the edge.
This is again an perfect metaphor, reflecting the idea that the Traveller’s journey is far from over, and that while possibly unknown (as symbolised by the cliff edge), more awaits, together with the idea that through these images, Gabriel has only hinted that all that Second Life might be and there is more to be discovered and appreciated when we take a leap of faith into the platform.
When visiting, do also take the time to visit the other half of the gallery, in which Lizbeth presents her own Second Life photographic art. this section has been expanded since my last visit to incorporate an selection of night / early morning images Lizbeth has produced under the title Before Dawn and which offers a further engaging set of reflections on time in Second Life.
SLurl Details
- Starborn Gallery (Starborn, rated Moderate)
† Just in case you’re curious – no, I don’t believe Second Life is “a game”, but I do agree it can be used as a platform on which games can be created. however, this should not be taken to mean that people cannot opt to treat it the entire platform as a game through their desire to utilise it in a particular manner – such as adopting a persona other than their own for whatever reason (such as role-play) and then only interact within the platform and with others through the lens of that persona, rather than as themselves.
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