In June 2024, Gian (GiaArt Clip – of Monkey Island and Buddha Garden fame (you can read about all his work in these pages) – invited me to visit Infinite Darkness, an utterly atmospheric build right in image, metaphor and reference.
At the time, my visit resulted in a rather lengthy piece on the build, in part because – as regulars to the pages (if they still come by…) know – I am particularly taken by locations in Second Life with have a depth of narrative to them and so tend to bang on a bit, but also because Infinite Darkness is genuinely captivating and rich in its imagery.
This past weekend (at the time of writing) I received a note from Gian, inviting me to pay a further visit to the region:
I’d like to show you this new area of Infinite Darkness, in case it interests you for the blog: I built this cathedral (both the façade and the interior, more than a week to build) and set it right into the rock face of Infinite Darkness. …I also redid the entire Windlight setup, ranging from the lighter night cycle to the deepest night
– A part of Gian’s invitation for me to revisit Infinite Darkness
At its core, Infinite Darkness is a walk between the forces of good and evil and light and dark and into the realm of the Gothic-vampiric. As such, the setting comprises a number of locations, both at the ground level and up in the sky.
It is the ground level where those making a first visit should initially explore, starting from the Landing Point chapel. And then cross the bridge. Do take time to note the theme’s symbolism here (and throughout): the fact you “rise from the death” on arrival; the angel and the skull within the chapel, the statues (including Geefs’ Le génie du mal along the bridge). However, as I’ve already written at length on the overall design as noted above, I’ll just offer a very brief summary here before moving to the new element of the setting.
Each of the four islands at ground level continue the core themes through different perspectives and intertwined narratives (including the general layout of the region mirroring that of a cathedral, as I noted in my 2024 piece). The two small islands to the north and south perhaps most clearly carry symbols of religious “good” and “evil”. Do make sure to climb the two central islands before you head down, to first reach the house straddling its peak (and again, note the artwork on the walls and the statues), and from there take the bridge to the Gothic Castle where the mantle of vampirism lies heavy.
Throughout your explorations, do keep your eyes on the art and statues; nothing here is entirely coincidental. As noted, Geefs’ Le génie du mal resides close to the Landing Point, adding a touch to the core narrative. Elsewhere it is possible to find Michelangelo’s Pietà from Saint Peter’s Basilica, Alexandre Cabanel’s rage-filled Fallen Angel and even a modified version of da Vinci’s Mona Lisa adding her story to the narrative – to mention but three more obvious pieces.
The new cathedral lies at the foot of the castle-bearing island, and can be reached on foot by descending around the left of the lower, house-bearing isle. Hewn from the rocks of the island, it is eerily lit by blue flames held by sconces and tall statues, exuding a sense of darkness as much as religious “light” – both literally and figuratively. Gregorian chanting can be heard echoing off the walls against the moaning of the wind whilst the altar stands wreathed in fog, a guarded pit behind it.
Red-lit archways to either side of and behind the altar join the original catacombs. Enter these and you’ll come first to a pair of flame-holding angels, one pointing left and the other to the right. To the left, the path leads by way of a small subterranean lake to where the Dark Master of Death awaits in his crypt to carry people away to hell (I actually managed to miss this entire part of the build back during my first visit in 2024. It is more clearly marked now, and I’ll leave you to discover it and what awaits beyond!).
To the right the path leads to another new element of the build: a passage through and up (via ladder) to a further crypt, this carrying clear references to the Knights Templar – note the chalice (Grail) on the stone altar facing the Templar’s cross and the motto Deus Vult (“God Wills It”).
Follow that path from the chamber below the Templar crypt and you’ll reach a further gateway – with a polite warning to turn back and follow the dark route passing via the Dark Master of Death, as mentioned above.
Gian is, until October 31, 2026 (appropriately!) running a photographic contest featuring Infinite Darkness. It carries a prize pool of L$10,000. See the Flickr announcement for details and rules.
Deeply immersive, rich in symbolism and narrative, Infinite Darkness remains an fascinating, highly atmospheric visit.
Slurl Details and Links
Infinite Darkness is rated Moderate
- Main Landing Point (recommended for first time visitors)
- The Cathedral (for those who have previously visited and wish to start there)
- Journeying through Infinite Darkness in Second Life (updated) – my original piece on Infinite Darkness
- Tiger Studio – Gian’s website
