Category: Art in Second Life

Now open at Dathúil Gallery, curated by Max Butoh and Lυcy (LucyDiam0nd), is a display of selected entries from the 4th annual The Chamber Society Photography competition.

Unlike the usual monthly exhibitions at the gallery, which focus on a single artist, the October 2016 exhibition features individual works from the “top twenty” entrants from this year’s edition of the competition, which challenges members of the Chamber Society –  a private member’s club – to explore the club’s home region (which is also home to Dathúil Gallery) and capture images reflective of the club’s theme, for submission in the competition.

The aim of the club is “to create a deep and erotic atmosphere for role-play and erotic chat for members. We focus on politeness and manners with a twist. Our members expect intelligent, lively conversation and imagination along with beautiful and detailed surroundings.” Membership requires adherence to a dress code, an understood code of conduct, and observation of the society’s rules.

As one might imagine, given the erotic overtures within [the Chamber], the images on display within the gallery  are of a similarly erotic nature, with many among them perhaps NSFW – which doesn’t make them any the less artistic. In fact, the range of styles and approaches seen in the images displayed at this annual event make it an intriguing and eye-catching exhibition.

A prize purse totalling a generous L$42,000 was on offer this year, with L$12,000 going to LoVeLy (lovelyxan), L$8,000 to Annjalyk Storm (annjalykh2o) and L$5,000 to Ravi Schou, all of whom have their pieces displayed on the ground floor of the gallery facing the main entrance (and seen in the banner image for this article). The remaining 17 selected pieces are arranged around the walls of the gallery on the ground and mezzanine levels, the members responsible for them each having received L$1,000.

“This is not exactly a regular exhibit,” Lucy said as she accompanied me while I previewed the exhibition ahead of the opening. “But it’s a very special one; during the whole month of September you see people running around all over the region, rezzing props and poses which Max loves!”

“In events like this it’s kinda more about the development throughout the month than the show itself, because of the goals of the whole thing,” Lucy continued, her enthusiasm for both the lead-up to the exhibition and the exhibition itself, obvious. “With the regular shows, it’s just the one artist, and a focus on the gallery. With this, it’s our members letting go creatively, which is a lot of fun for everyone!”

The exhibit runs through until the end of October 2016, and as is always the case with exhibitions at Dathúil, I have no hesitation in recommending it.

SLurl Details

• Dathúil Gallery (Rated: Adult)

Tucked away in a corner of a region called Battlestar and rising from calm waters are two galleries of modern, open design. They are the respective homes for art by Nessuno Myoo and Kicca Igaly.

The White Gallery is  a glass-sided C-shape building rising three levels above the water. It is home to Nessuno’s 2D and 3D art, and includes a rooftop auditorium for presentations – although I’m not sure how active this is; the last event shown on the screen dates back to 2012.

Between the auditorium and the water, however, there is much to see; Nessuno’s sculptures are highly stylised in form, captivating the eye and drawing the observer into their narrative with ease. Some offer a twist of humour, others a sharp observation, all are evocative. His 2D art is equally attention-grabbing and can be sharply observational (iGirl). When visiting, do keep an eye out for the cubes displaying his art from the physical world.

Across the water, Kicca’s Art Gallery also rises three to three levels above the water as a C-shaped building. It is slightly offset to Nessuno’s gallery as they face one another, with the three levels connected by a central spiral ramp. Kicca makes similar use of the space to display her 2D and 3D art, including pieces from the physical world.

Kicca’s 3D work can also be stylised in looks, but also carries sentiment and narrative which draw the observer into each piece. Her 2D art, static and animated, offers excellent pieces for home display. Such is the diversity of pieces displayed, it is easy to find oneself drawn back to particular pieces – I freely confess to being attracted to her physical world art on display on the upper level of the gallery (three of which are imaged below).

Like the artists themselves, the two galleries complement one another and offer an overlapping display of fine 3D and 2D art. Almost all of the pieces on display at both are for sale if you are collector, and if you have enjoyed Nessuno’s and Kicca’s work and installations on display elsewhere in Second Life, but haven’t previously visited their galleries, then this is a destination very much worth adding to your itinerary.

SLurl Details

• The White Gallery and Kicca Igaly’s Gallery (Battlestar, rated: Moderate) – will drop you between the two

Saturday, September 24th saw the opening of The Red Gallery, operated by Team Diabetes of Second Life, the official Second Life team for the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

The Red Gallery has been established to support Team Diabetes of SL in their work raising funds for ADA. Each exhibition will feature a number of artists displaying their art, with proceeds of sales split between the artist and Team Diabetes of SL. Each exhibition will likely be for a period of two months.

For the inaugural exhibition, the featured artists are Aradia Aridian, John Brianna, Sheba Blitz, Eucalyptus Carroll, Ilyra Chardin, Layachi Inchen, Methisa Kira, Ramsa Luv, Doasilike Resident, Kodymeyers Resident, Timaaj Resident and Tisephone Resident. Between them they present a rich mix of art, ranger from modern “traditional” in-world landscapes and avatar studies, through to more abstract pieces and art generated in the physical world and imported in to Second Life; all of which makes for an engaging and eye-catching exhibition.

For those who prefer to donate directly, Team Diabetes of Second Life donation kiosks are available on the lower level of the gallery.

About the American Diabetes Association

Established in 1940, the American Diabetes Association is working to both prevent and cure diabetes in all it forms, and to help improve the lives of all those affected by diabetes. It does this by providing objective and credible information and resources about diabetes to communities, and funding research into ways and means of both managing and curing the illness. In addition, the Association gives voice to those denied their rights as a consequence of being affected by diabetes.

About Team Diabetes of Second life

Team Diabetes of Second Life is an official and authorised fund-raiser for the American Diabetes Association in Second Life. Established with the aim of raising funds in support of diabetes treatment and to raise awareness of the disease in SL, Team Diabetes of Second Life was founded by Jessi2009 Warrhol and John Brianna (Johannes1977 Resident), and is served by an advisory board comprising Eleseren Brianna, Veruca Tammas, Sandie Loxingly, Rob Fenwitch, Earth Nirvana and Dawnbeam Dreamscape, with Saiyge Lotus serving as a special advisor.

SLurl and Additional Links

• The Red Gallery (Bailywick; rated: Moderate)
• Team Diabetes of Second life website
• American Diabetes Association website
• Official Team Diabetes of SL American Diabetes Association On-line Page
• International Diabetes Federation website