Category: Art in Second Life

Gravity is a Mistake in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Gravity is a Mistake
Gravity is a Mistake – I get some unusal headgear and accessories, Caitlyn discovers gravity, if not a mistake, might be a myth …

Now open for all to enjoy is the latest installation by Eupalinos Ugajin, Gravity is a Mistake. As one can always expect from Eupa, this is an involved, interactive and above all, fun installation to which additional elements will be added over time.

It’s also a piece that is experience-led, so on arrival, you’ll be asked to join something called – in difference to the title of the installation – “Le Cactus”. Respodning with Yes grants you seamless interaction with the piece, and is a necessary part of Gravity is a Mistake. As with all experiences, remember that the permissions granted on joining will be automatically revoked when you leave the Gravity is a Mistake region, so there is no worry about what might happen elsewhere.

Gravity is a Mistake
Gravity is a Mistake – the starting point

Once you have accepted the experience, you’ll notice a couple of HUDs have attached to your screen on the right. The upper one will detach (if necessary), the other will teleport you back to the start of the ravine you’ll be delivered to on stepping through the doorway of the landing point.

This ravine cuts through a strange island. Objects are littered along and over the ravine (and scattered about the island), leading to a circular opening in the middle of the island. The key here is interaction; as you make your way down the ravine, be prepared to touch objects (and have some touch you!). Exactly what happens on touching an object is open to question. But remember, this is Eupa, so tongue is firmly in cheek, and a sense of humour will carry you forward. You may find yourself in receipt of a gift, doing a mad little dance, or unexpectedly wearing something, being transported to another part of the island, offered web page to look at …

Gravity is a Mistake
Gravity is a Mistake – The shape of things to come?

At the far end of the ravine sits a rather unique dragon. He’s determined to guard the circular opening, once a swimming pool, but now a public library. Getting past him may take some figuring out, but look for the door that comes with scales 🙂 .

The library is designed to be the second part of the build, which Eupa hopes will see those invited to join the project to add builds, sounds, and interactive elements of their own which can be enjoyed by visitors who manage to get past the dragon. As it is, entry will see you into a “gravity free” zone, offering me opportunities for fun!

Gravity is a Mistake
Gravity is a Mistake – the library awaits

In introducing the piece, Eupa notes the inspiration came from The Centrifuge Brain Project, an equally tongue-in-cheek mockumentary, well worth watching. And after playing in Gravity is a Mistake and watching the video, you’re still in the mood for silliness, hop up to Le Cactus bar, Maya Paris’ celebrated creation from times past, and which Eupa invited her to recreate here. You can reach it via the teleport at the top of the island, and read about it here.

All told – fun and silliness, and worth having local sounds on for as well!

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  • Gravity is a Mistake (Rated: Moderate)

 

Walking by Moonlight in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Cica Ghost: Moonlight
Cica Ghost: Moonlight

And if you’re ever feeling lonely just look at the moon,
Someone, somewhere is looking right at it too.

So goes the little verse which has found its way into all corners of the Internet over the last few years, and now frames Cica Ghost’s latest full region installation, Moonlight, which opened on Thursday, April 14th, replacing Strawberryland (which you can read about here).

This is another wonderfully evocative piece guaranteed to delight the eye and tickle the imagination. Sandwiched between teal sea and sky upon a rocky island thatched with tall stalks of wind-blown grass, sits a quintet of Cica’s quirky narrow houses. Immediately recognisable, they give an instant feeling of familiarity to admirers of Cica’s work, together with a suggestion of continuity with some of her earlier pieces.

Cica Ghost: Moonlight
Cica Ghost: Moonlight

This is a place wrapped in magic: a crescent Moon reclines overhead, eyes closed as if asleep, kept company by a little gathering of pulsating stars which add their light to the landscape below.

Nor is the Moon the only one caught in slumber: across the rooftops of the houses stand night-gowned figures, eyes closed, their presence apparently the result of sleepwalking. Below them, stardust drifts over the surrounding grass and between the houses, perhaps the cause of all this slumber.

Cica Ghost: Moonlight
Cica Ghost: Moonlight

While the little verse tells us that when lonely, we need only look at the Moon and know we’re sharing the view with another, somewhere, one little girl has taken things a step further. She has managed to cross the gap between her rooftop and the Moon, and now sits upon his chin as he sleeps, her head bowed even as her faithful cat attempts to gain her attention.

The cat appears to be one of only two inhabitants of the island to be awake; the other being a gangly giraffe ambling incongruously allow the shoreline, somnambulant residents oblivious to its presence.

Cica Ghost: Moonlight
Cica Ghost: Moonlight

Should you find the stardust drifting through the region causes a little drowsiness, or if exploring the hamlet and the surrounding landscape leaves you a little tired, you can always hop onto one of the beds which drift through the air, some perhaps escaped from the houses after their erstwhile occupants found their way to the rooftops. With both sitting and reclined poses, the beds offer a relaxing way to drift across the landscape and enjoy all it has to offer.

I’ve always enjoyed filming Cica’s work, and while time doesn’t always permit me the luxury of doing so, Moonlight brought to mind the lyrics of Rogers and Hart’s 1934 song Blue Moon, together with Cybill Shepherd’s rendition of the song from 1985. So once that was in my head, I had to put a little film together. I hope you enjoy it :).

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Silas Merlin: Pastels and mirrors in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Holly Kai Garden: Mirrored Garden
Holly Kai Garden: Mirrored Garden

Opening on Saturday, April 16th, 2016 at Holly Kai Garden is a new exhibition by Silas Merlin. Entitled  Mirrored Garden, the exhibit is a rich showcase of Sials’ artistry, and I unashamedly admit that I’m pleased as punch to have having exhibiting at Holly Kai.

Better know in the physical world as Jean-François Le Saint, Silas is a Maître Pastelliste ( Master Pastelist) at the Société des Pastellistes de France, and his work is utterly captivating. so much so, that no opportunity to see it displayed in Second Life should ever be missed.

Holly Kai Garden: Mirrored Garden
Holly Kai Garden: Mirrored Garden

Mirrored Garden is very much an exhibition of three parts, all interwoven. On either terrace is a selection of Silas’ pastel works, each selection reflected by the words of two poems by Eala Du (CottonSwan), Where Is This Place? and Hands Form Into Puppets. On one terrace, the images focus on human hands: a parent’s loving hand resting on a boy’s shoulder, a teacher assisting a young violinist, children sitting engaged in a game – are all beautifully echoed in Eala’s words. Across the path, the sentiments and freedom expressed in Where Is This Place? perfectly frames Silas’ images of youngsters enjoying the freedom of the seashore.

Centrally placed in each terrace is a sculpture by Silas, one standing as the mirror reflection of the other, albeit with a slight difference between the two. Entitled Mock Fight, these two pieces both embody the title of the exhibition and reflect the youthful freedom and innocence found within the words of Eala’s poems.

Holly Kai Garden: Mirrored Garden
Holly Kai Garden: Mirrored Garden

The mirror theme of the title can be further found in the pillars directly behind the sculptures – although you will need to have Advanced Lighting (ALM) enabled in your viewer to see it. Set into each pillar is a “mirrored” surface which, thanks to the use of projectors, presents a marvellous refection of each terrace and the art displayed within it when caming across the surface of either mirror – while in one you might even catch Silas looking back at you 🙂 .

Silas’ work, beautifully executed in pastels and carefully uploaded to Second Life is a true delight to see. There is something utterly compelling in the layered textures of the images, their colour tones and depth, which captures the very essence of his subjects in a way photograph and paint cannot easily replicate.

Holly Kai Garden: Mirrored Garden
Holly Kai Garden: Mirrored Garden

Silas is always seeking ways in which he can extend his artistry; Mock Fight, for example, marks his move towards translating images he has produced in pastels into 3D pieces in-world. This in turn is a step towards his desire to produce models of his art in the physical world via 3D printing. For those similarly wishing to extend their artistry, Silas offers some words of advice in an article in Pastel Artist International entitled The Paper Is Your Playground, which is presented at holy Kai Garden, together with articles in French from Pratique Des Arts and Dessins & Peintures Thematique, which offer a wonderful window into Silas’ world.

As noted, I’m utterly delighted that Silas is exhibiting at Holly Kai Garden, and we’ll be marking the opening of his exhibition at 16:00 SLT on Saturday, April 16th, with a special celebration (dress: smart casual) with music provided by DJ G-Windz (Gerrard Winstanley), all at the public terrace at Holly Kai Garden. I hope we’ll see you there!

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The Quill & Pen: literary expression in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

WindlightSince its establishment, the Windlight brand has striven to promote all aspects of artist expression in Second Life. Each month, Windlight Magazine provides insight into the SL art scene, reviewing exhibitions and regions, interviewing artists and creators, providing tutorials, and more.

At the same time, the Windlight Gallery offers display space for artists wishing to participate in the Windlight Artist Fellowship Programme,  the artistic aspects of fashion are represented through The Edge gallery and publications, whilst Windlight sponsors and supports arts and artists through competitions and shows such as the Windlight Magazine Spring Arts Show and the 30/31 events.

The breadth of Windlight’s support of virtual arts is one of the reasons I’m particularly delighted to be associated with the brand, both as a contributing writer and as someone able to provide a little back room support when needed.

It’s also why I’m pleased to be able to relay the news that, starting in June Windlight will also be supporting the literally expressions of Second Life users with the launch of a new twice-yearly literary journal The Quill and Pen, and that I’ll be serving in an editorial capacity with the publication.

quill and penthe Quill and Pen will be published in both digital and ebook formats every June and December, and submissions are welcome for poetry, non-fiction, and fiction (including flash stories).

The broad submission guidelines for each category are:

  • Poetry: one poem per page, no more than six pages, single spaced and left justified
  • Non-fiction: one essay up to 1500 words, no extra space between paragraphs, white space for section breaks only
  • Fiction: One story up to 1500 words, double spaced, no extra space between paragraphs. White space for section breaks only
  • Flash stories: up to 500 words, double spaced, no extra space between paragraphs. White space for section breaks only

Pieces may have been previously published, and writers can submit up to two pieces per issue (either to the same category, or a mix of two categories).

For more complete information on submissions, please refer to the submissions guidelines in the Quill and Pen submissions form.

I’m looking forward to both seeing the first issue published and seeing submissions as they come in. So whether you use quill, pen or keyboard, if you enjoy writing for your pleasure,, i hope the announcement of The Quill and Pen will encourage you to write – and to submit your work!

Spring into the arts with the Windlight Show

Posted on by Inara Pey
Windlight Spring Show 2016
Windlight Magazine Spring Arts Show 2016

Opening on Monday, April 11th, 2016 is the Windlight Magazine Spring Arts Show, one of the biggest arts events taking place in Second Life this year.

More than 50 2D and 3D artists are participating, with art displays taking place both within traditional galley-style units, and outdoors under the open skies or within individual gazebos scattered across the Windlight lawns.

Windlight Spring Arts Show 2016
Windlight Magazine Spring Arts Show 2016

Running through until Sunday, April 17th, the Spring Arts Show also includes daily entertainment with DJs, live performances and tribute acts, storytelling and poetry readings, a hunt and photo contest, and a fashion show as well.

Land alongside the Windlight Gallery and office grounds has been transformed for the event, with lots to see and do. Many of the participating artists are taking part in a juried art competition with a prize pool of L$20,000, with the rest participating as non-juried artists. The event has been generously sponsored by Azul, Chop Zuey Couture Jewellery, Dope Magazine, Ferosh, Ghee,  Lyrical Poetry Cafe, Magnum Opus, Meshopotamia, Pink Ice Boutique, PotPourri Markets, Prism Designs, SL Live Radio, Models Giving Back, The Edge Gallery, The Fantasy Angels, and Windlight Magazine.

Windlight Spring Arts Show 2016
Windlight Magazine Spring Arts Show 2016

To join in with the entertainment and events planned for the weekend, check the Spring Arts Show events calendar. However, some highlights for the week include:

  • Monday, April 11th
    • 04:00 SLT – informal opening
    • 16:00 SLT – formal opening
    • All day and every day: Paint Bucket Hunt
  • Tuesday, April 12th
    • 17:30 SLT – Lyrical Poetry Cafe
  • Wednesday, April 13th
    • 16:00 SLT – Spring Art Ball
  • Friday , April 15th
    • 17:00 SLT – Obero the Great
  • Saturday, April 16th
    • 13:00 SLT – Models giving Back fashion show
    • 16:00 SLT – Duran Duran tribute concert
    • 17:00 SLT – Juried Art Contest winners announced
  • Sunday, April 17th
    • 11:00 SLT – Seanchai Library storytelling
    • 13:00 SLT – Elysium Cabaret
    • 16:00 SLT – Marilyn Mansion tribute concert.
Windlight Spring Arts Show 2016
Windlight Magazine Spring Arts Show 2016

With its rich diversity of 2D and 3D art, full entertainments programme, the Windlight Magazine Spring Show is a superb means of seen the work of photographers and artists from across SL as well as an opportunity to discover the art of the spoken word through poetry readings and storytelling. So be sure to check it out through the week.

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A Queen’s Gambit Declined in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
MetaLES: Queen's Gambit Declined by Rebeca Bashly
MetaLES: Queen’s Gambit Declined by Rebeca Bashly

Just opened at MetaLES is Queens Gambit Declined, a new installation – with some familiar motifs – by Rebeca Bashly.

The title is drawn from one of the classic opening moves of chess, wherein the player using the black pieces can respond to the white player’s opening Queen’s Gambit, by declining the opportunity to capture a proffered pawn, opting instead to defend their own exposed man. However, precisely how title / reference fits with the installation has left me a little bewildered 🙂 .

MetaLES: Queen's Gambit Declined by Rebeca Bashly
MetaLES: Queen’s Gambit Declined by Rebeca Bashly

Two great stone towers, perhaps the last remnants of some gigantic bridge, rise from the waters of the flooded region, their appearance slightly reminiscent of Manhattan’s famous Brooklyn Bridge.

Suspended between these by massive chains, sits an enormous circular stone platform, its top occupied by a large hedged maze. Above this, and also tethered to the remnants of the bridge by heavyset ropes, floats a massive heart, similar in nature to the one seen in Rebeca’s When Life Gives You Apples … Run (which I reviewed here), but with arteries and veins bearing rose-like thorns.

Transparent walkways link the bridge towers to the platform, allowing visitors to explore the maze, in which sit a number of artefacts: three busts with transparent foreheads inside of which lie objets d’art; two snow globes with tiny scenes within and wrapped around them; and four rose-like plants, their flowers forming lips, all geometrically positioned within the maze.

At the centre of the maze a female figure kneels fully bent over within a pool of red. Her back is to the sky, a green shoot rising upwards from it, reaching towards the floating heart. When looked at from above, this figure, in the centre most circle of the  maze, appears to be cupped within a slightly lopsided Venus symbol formed by the surrounding hedge (although this could be an accident of design, rather than symbolic).

Nor is this all. sitting atop the second of the bridge towers  is a black chess pawn. Touch it, and you’re carried up into the heart itself, and a dark-walled place in when sits a series of tear-drop containers held within metal structures, particles falling slowly within them. Meanwhile, under the circular platform sits a huge black pawn, it’s base forming the basin in which the kneeling figure at the centre of the maze resides.

MetaLES: Queen's Gambit Declined by Rebeca Bashly
MetaLES: Queen’s Gambit Declined by Rebeca Bashly

Touring the installation, I kept being drawn to the ideas of birth, growth and life, and renewal – ideas that also immediately struck Caitlyn when we visited together. Quite how these are related by to chess and the Queen’s Gambit Declined, however, is something which escaped us both.

Perhaps this is part of the purpose in the piece: to offer enigmatic hints at possible interpretations. One thing is sure, however you look at Queen’s Gambit Declined, it offers a fascinating and intriguing installation.

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