Category: Art in Second Life

Black and White and Travelling Heels in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Club LA and Gallery: WuWai Chun – Travelling Heels

Opening on May 9th are two new exhibitions at Club LA and Gallery, curated by Wintergeist, which between them offer unique studies and unusual views of Second Life.

With Black and White, located in the main gallery, The Friendly Otter offers an intriguing portfolio of some 15 black and white images that stand as a mix of avatar studies and landscapes. What is particularly captivating about them is not that they are monochrome – but the manner in which they are presented.

Club LA and Gallery: The Friendly Otter – Black and White

Each piece takes a specific subject  – avatar, landscape element, birds, etc., – and presents it in an almost ink wash style sans intruding surroundings or wider surroundings, on a pure white backdrop. The result is a series of pieces that are wonderfully minimalistic but with an incredible depth and richness of story.

These are genuinely graceful pieces that have every look of having been painted by hand, rather than originating with in-world photographs. Sadly, none are offered for sale, as all of them are highly collectable.

Club LA and Gallery: The Friendly Otter – Black and White

In introducing Travelling Heels in Second Life, WuWai Chun uses a variation of a famous quote about Ginger Rogers, the original version of which (from a 1982 Frank and Ernest cartoon) read:

Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, except backwards and in high heels.

It’s a more than apt quote for this exhibition – reached via teleport from the main gallery – which offers highly unique views of Second Life around, under and over high-heeled shoes.

On reading this, it might be tempting to simply say, “Oh, you mean this is an exhibition of photographs of shoes!” But that really is not the case; while a pair of shoes is featured in each, they are not in an of themselves “just” focused on the heels. A number present scenes captured from around Second Life in which the background demands the eye’s attention – a villa and pool, a dusty hill from (I would guess) Serene Footman’s Kolmannskuppe, the tide breaking over rocks – as much as the heels.

Club LA and Gallery: WuWai Chun – Travelling Heels

Mixed with there are artful pieces that capture the spirit of popular art from (roughly) the 1960s and 1970s, adding to the depth of this exhibition whilst offering some highly individual pieces that would be welcome in any home.

I mention this latter point because all of WuWai’s pieces in this exhibition are for sale – and she is giving 100% of all sales to Feed A Smile – so in making a purchase, you’re not only gaining a great piece of art, but also helping a very worthy cause.

Two extraordinary exhibitions that should not be missed.

Club LA and Gallery: WuWai Chun – Travelling Heels

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Personal impressions in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
A Dream of Asia

Discussing myself is something that doesn’t come particularly easy, especially when it comes to anything like self-advertising or my photography – which I regard as passable for blog illustrations, little more.

However, Sorcha Tyles recently asked me to consider an exhibition of my work at her gallery of Artful Expressions, which I admit to finding incredibly flattering  – if more than a little nerve-racking. However, in talking to Sorcha, I decided to take up her generous offer.

So, opening at Artful Expression on Friday, May 8th at 14:00 SLT is a small selection of my work entitled Impressions, which features images (some not previously seen) of my recent SL travels. Music is being provided by DJ Julz, and I hope you’ll join us for the opening – or hop along to the gallery and take a look while the exhibition is open through to the end of the month(ish).

Many, many thanks to Sorcha for the invite and encouragement, and for arranging the exhibition!

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Cica and Bryn’s Social Distancing in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Social Distancing

Currently open at Bryn Oh’s Immersiva is Social Distancing, a join installation by Bryn and Cica Ghost. The title should immediately give away the theme of the installation.

I confess that in its current application around the world, I find the term “social distancing” an odd choice. In an era when social media has all but taken over our lives and allow many to say in contact half-way across the globe whilst often remaining distanced from those immediately around them, the idea of “social distancing” is perhaps something of a non-sequitur; as the SARS-CoV-2 virus relies on close physical proximity one to another, it’s seemed to me a more apt term for the phenomena we’ve seen sine February (in the west – earlier in places like the far east) should perhaps be “physical distancing”.

Social Distancing

Anyway, semantics aside, this cosy – in terms of size – installation offers a broad take on social / physical distancing and its impact it has had on us. Within a watery, overgrown garden environment surrounded on three sides by great concrete walls (the state of the garden and the high walls themselves possible metaphors).

A rough path winds through the overgrown landscape, offering a path to various vignettes signifying the state and anxieties of people and society. A man sits at the window of his house, the room behind him stacked with toilet rolls and he has a pair of binoculars in hand as he looks towards his mailbox. The flag is up and letters lie within, but he appears too worried to make the trip out to collect them. Further along the zig-zagging path, a couple sit on a boat – but at opposite ends, unable to express themselves more intimately to one another by holding hands or simply sitting side-by side.

Social Distancing

Further still long the path is a little village scene where the occupants of the houses all express various reactions to having to remain isolated. Some, more able to adapt, perhaps, use carrier pigeons (an analogy for more modern means of connecting to others?) to pass letters back and forth. Others sit at their windows and worry. One simply hides behind his curtain, peeking in terror at the world from around the edge of it. Should you wish to be a part of this vignette, there are a couple of houses with single poses included.

There’s a certain poignancy to all of these little houses and their occupants that may perhaps touch us in different ways. For many of us, making the transition to the kind of lifestyle social / physical distancing has brought about hasn’t been dramatically hard in the scheme of things. We have our Facebook, our You Tube our WhatsApp – and yes, our Second Life – to maintain contact and engage with family and friends.  But what about those who find being on their own hard – such as the elderly or those psychological issues? Seeing the face crammed into a corner of a house window and peering around the edge of the curtain, I was immediately reminded of an interview with a doctor who has been trying to help those whose psychosis requires physical proximity to others in order to help them avoid giving into their inner demons and voices.

Social Distancing

Another subtle element in the installation alludes to the risk countries and people face in pushing to get back to “business as usual” too soon. There is a real risk – as has been seen with past epidemics and pandemics – that trying to relax rules around social / physical distancing, etc., too soon could lead to a second or even third wave of the SARS-CoV-2 / Covid-19 situation striking the world. Within Social Distancing, this risk is seen by the presence of “Corona Monsters” among the bushing and floating in the water. they appear to lying in wait, ready to strike should those in the little houses all decide to come out and start mingling.

A timely and engaging installation, reached via the teleport board at the Immersiva landing point, and complete with gacha machines for those wishing to obtain some of the models used in the exhibit or to support Cica and Bryn.

Social Distancing

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Images of Entropy in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Nitroglobus: Entropy, May 2020

Officially open from Tuesday, May 5th at Nitroglobus Roof Gallery curated by Dido Haas, is Entropy, by EmberPolaris.

In terms of thermodynamics, entropy is defined as:

A measure of the unavailable energy in a closed thermodynamic system that is also usually considered to be a measure of the system’s disorder, that is a property of the system’s state, and that varies directly with any reversible change in heat in the system and inversely with the temperature of the system.

More informally, entropy is referred to as a general running down of the universe into a state of disorder. For her exhibition, Ember presents an almost Shakespearian view of modern life; one in which we might as a well be mannequins, we have so little little say in the fate of the universe as a whole; that all we say and do, all that we build, is merely a stage for the greater passage of life – ours and the universe’s.

Nitroglobus: Entropy, May 2020

It is a stark, but captivating view of things; one that might be referred to as emphasising the futility of life. But there is more here; through the use of mannequins in place of humans, Entropy folds within it question of identity – not only who we are or might be, but also a challenge as to what our role in life might be when framed against the bigger backdrop of the universe’s slow passing.

More then this, through the framing of each picture is a reminder that creation – and creativity – can offer a richness of beauty that far surpasses any darkness that might otherwise be inherent in these pictures: sunlight falling through the scaffolding of an advertising hoarding, Shadows falling across an alleyway or a sudden bright splash of colour amidst the grey; sunlight falling through clouds. 

There is a stark beauty within these pieces that is astonishing; life is present in every image, the use of mannequins as models notwithstanding; a vitality that stands in contrast to the basic meaning of entropy. There is also, conversely, the suggestion of disorder that is entirely in keeping with the precepts of entropy; it surrounds and enfolds the sense of order also suggested elements present in these pictures and their sense of structure and order of life as can be witnessed in the settings for many of these images.

Nitroglobus: Entropy, May 2020

Those Entropy is a richly layered exhibit, offering multiple commentaries on life, the universe, and our place within it, as well as presenting rich images in and of themselves.An excellent first-time exhibition from an artist I hope we’ll see more of in the future.

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A beguiling gallery and garden in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
The Beguiled Art Gallery and Studio, May 2020 – click any image for full size

Occupying a Full mainland region, The Beguiled Art Gallery and Studio has been designed by Jilla Lamar as a place for photography, art and romance for visitors. It’s a setting packed with detail – which can admittedly make it heavy going for a viewer with all the bells and whistles enabled, but providing care is taken, it is a place that offers a lot that really shouldn’t be missed.

From the gazebo landing point towards the south, a number of paths offers multiple routes through the region, which is set out as a garden in the rich colours of spring, summer and autumn. Pointing due west, one of these paths leads to The Beguiled Art Gallery, an imposing building with multiple levels that is home to 2D art by Jilla, together with (at the time of our visit) Skye Donardson and Fury Harbinger.

The Beguiled Art Gallery and Studio, May 2020

Split into multiple spaces both vertically and horizontally, the gallery also includes 3D works by Mistero Hifeng, SpotCat, St0rmyN1ght and others, together with spaces to sit and relax throughout. All of this makes the gallery a warm, cosy place in which to spend time and admire the art on display.

To the east, on the far side of the landing point sits the imposing form of a deco-styled building that is home to as series of photography sets available for use by anyone visiting them. Compact in size, these include indoor and outdoor settings, all individually lit. Rezzing is open, so visitors are welcome to rez their own props and pose systems – but are asked to make sure they clear their pieces up afterwards.

The Beguiled Art Gallery and Studio, May 2020

These opportunities extend to the gardens as a whole, which might best be described as a series of vignettes joined by a common landscape rich in flowers, trees in bloom or turning gold in readiness for autumn. A place through which paths curl and flow, and sheep and deer, and rabbits and butterflies, all roam or flutter while puppies play and windmills turn. Throughout are places to sit, places to discover – and plenty of 3D art to find.

Literally wherever you roam through these gardens there is something to surprise and engage, from the piano amidst those butterflies, to a “garden” of Cica Ghost’s Dreamers, to statues by the likes of Kadaj Yoshikawa, Zun Sahara, Mistero Hifeng, Lossip Delicioso and others. Outcrops provide raised areas of relief reached by ladders and on which yet more vignettes to be appreciated.

The Beguiled Art Gallery and Studio, May 2020

To the north, the land naturally rises to a hilltop overlooking the rest of the gardens. This is home to a crystal palace offering the opportunity for romance, dance and rest. It is watched over by an impressive water tower that has been converted into a table games room – just take the teleport up to the top. Circling the slopes leading up to this tower is a garden-backed blue whale swimming in small circles through the sky.

Follow the path along the front of the crystal palace, and there is more to be discovered: gardens with summer houses, havens of flowers and seats surrounded by arched walls, the paths lined by carefully planted crystals. Elsewhere across the region can be found caves, camp sites, a dance gazebo for, waterside rests and tree-lined avenues.

The Beguiled Art Gallery and Studio, May 2020

Lit by an windlight suggestive of a summer’s day,The Beguiled Art Gallery and Studio also works under a range of other settings to offer an environment ideal for photography as well as exploration. Separated from the surrounding regions on three sides by natural borders of tree images, and on the fourth by the rise in land, the Beguiled Art Gallery and Studio makes for an enchanted, calming haven of art and nature.

A recommended visit for patrons of art, photographers and SL travellers like.

The Beguiled Art Gallery and Studio, May 2020

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2020 Raglan Shire Artwalk: call to artists

Posted on by Inara Pey
Raglan Shire Artwalk 2019

The Raglan Shire Artwalk is one of the staples of the SL art calendar, and for 2020 the 15th Artwalk will take place between Sunday, May 17th and Sunday, June 21st, inclusive.

A popular event among artists and residents, the Artwalk can see over 150 artists displaying their work – 2D and 3D – across the regions of Raglan Shire. All the displays are open-air, with 2D art is displayed on hedgerows in and around the regions, offering visitors the chance to view pieces as they explore the Shire, while sculptures and 3D art is displayed in a number of designated areas across the regions.

Those wishing to exhibit their work at the 2020 Artwalk are invited to review the requirements for entry and follow the link from there to the registration form. Applications for participation must be received by the organisers no later than Sunday, May 10th, 21:00 SLT.

Key points about the exhibition are:

  • The event is a non-juried show.
  • Artists can display more than one piece if they wish.
    • 2D (“flat” art pieces will be awarded a maximum of 15 LI, and individual pictures should be 1 prim, including the frame.
    • 3D art (sculptures, etc.), will be awarded a maximum of 500 LI for up to three pieces of work. Artists are requested to state the LI per piece in their application.
    • Sales of art are allowed.
  • Types of art supported by the show are: representations of RL photography, painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, and digital fine art that can be displayed on a prim;  and SL photography, manipulated SL photography and SL sculpture.
  • Pictures of RL crafts, such as beadwork, leatherwork, etc., are not part of the show’s  definition
  • All the above art forms are welcome, but should be rated PG / G – so no nudity, please!
  • Group membership will be required in order to display work
  • Questions and enquiries should be forwarded via note card to Artwalk Director Karmagirl Avro, or Artwalk Assistants Kayak Kuu, Linn Darkwatch, maggi696 or RaglanShireArtwalk Resident.
Raglan Shire Artwalk 2019

Event Dates

  • Sunday, May 10th: applications close at 21:00 SLT.
  • Tuesday, May 12th: Notification of exhibit space location issued to 3D artists.
  • Friday, May 15th (after 09:00 SLT) and Saturday May 16th: Artist set-up days.
  • Sunday, May 17th: Artwalk Opens.
  • Sunday, June 21st: Artwalk closes.
  • Sunday, June 21st (after 18:00 SLT) through Tuesday, June 22nd: Takedown of works.

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