Having opened within The Annex at Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, curated by Dido Haas, Beach Life is a highly engaging series of Second Life centric images by Kelsey Sakura-Yuitza (Kelsey Yuitza), perfectly showcasing both her abilities as a self-taught Second Life photographer and her passion for spending time at the beach. A modest collection comprising just nine images – with two of them forming triptych-like pieces, one at either end of the gallery space – Beach Life carries within it arrange of emotions and narratives, with all but two of them focused on beach settings, even if their narratives far surpass the setting itself.
As a Second Life photographer, Kelsey is self-taught, developing her skills as a result of curiosity and a willingness to learn via tutorials and videos, and a determination to master the tools at her disposal. The fruits of her labours can be seen in the fact that her images are finely crafted, perfectly edited and easily comparable to anything a physical world photographers might create.
Supported by beach-like vignettes by Adwehe with which visitors are encouraged to interact by sitting or kicking a beachball around, etc, Kelsey’s images are presented in the large format generally found within the main gallery. This allows the observer to be drawn into each piece and appreciate its beauty. Most of the images speak clearly for themselves and express the joy and freedom to be found in the pleasure of a beach visit. However, mixed within the collection are pieces which I found breath-taking in their depth, artistry and message. These included both of the triptych-like pieces, Where I Began and Ronin, together with Fallen not Forgotten.
Where I Began a celebration of origins, possibly on a personal level of Kelsey, but also in reflection of her growing love of photography in Second life. Ronin, meanwhile, offers a wealth of visual metaphor; there’s the idea of feminine strength and courage; the hint of honour and loyalty as enshrined in the Bushido Shoshinshu followed by samurai (even if ronin were regarded as having failed to live up to the demands of the code to commit seppuku upon the death on his master).
Then there’s evocation of the traditional interpretation of ronin (“wanderer”; “drifter”) together with the idea of the modern-day drifter who might be found wandering along a beach, and the rich counterpointing of the more idiomatic interpretation of the word (“wave” and “person”) with the backdrop of the open, unfettered ocean to suggest a free spirit.
In its use of camera angle, lighting and shadow, focus and vignetting Fallen not Forgotten genuinely speaks for itself. To call in poignant would be an understatement; it is a marvellous tour de force of artistic expression and richness of narrative. It is powerful and evocative.
A truly marvellous exhibition; one not to be missed.
SLurl Details
- The Annex, Nitroglobus Roof Gallery (Sunshine Homestead, rated Moderate)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 