Category: Art in Second Life

UWA Pursue Impossible machinima: L$41K in prizes for audience participation

Posted on by Inara Pey
Image courtesy of UWA
Image courtesy of UWA / Eliza Wierwight

Saturday, October 31st marked the closing date for submission to this year’s combined 5th University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Grand Art Challenge and MachinimUWA challenge, Pursue Impossible.

The challenge takes its theme from the UWA’s clarion call to students in the physical world to achieve their fullest possible potential by studying with the university. Within the challenge, it calls on entrants to consider what their “impossible” might be. Perhaps it might be something personal, a goal achieved individually or by a loved one or friend. Or perhaps it is consideration of those things we deem to be impossible, but which we may still pursue and conquer as individuals or collectively. Perhaps it is itself a clarion call for us all to face the things we consider impossible and rise above them; or maybe it is an illustration of how virtual environments empower people to visualise, create and push the boundaries of the possible. There are many options and opportunities to consider.

There have been some amazing entries in both the art and machinima elements of the challenge, as I hope my coverage of Pursue Impossible n these pages demonstrates. With the closing date having passed, the task of judging the entries begins, and with it the opportunity for all residents in Second Life to share in the prizes on offer.

On Thursday, November 5th, the UWA announced the launch of the Pursue Impossible MachnimUWA audience participation challenge, with a prize pool of L$41,000. All you have to do to have an opportunity to win one of the five prizes on offer, which range from L$12,000 to L$5,000, is to watch the 45 machinima entries to the competition, then list those videos you think will finish in the TOP 10 in order 1st – 10th, as decided by the official judging panel.

Entries should be made via note card in-world, passed to Jayjay Zifanwe with your name in the title of the card, together with “MachinimUWA VIII Audience Event”. Alternatively, you can e-mail your list to jayjayaustralia-at-hotmail.com. All entries must be submitted no later than midnight SLT on Sunday, December 6th, 2015.

The full list of machinima entries can be found in the UWA’s Audience Event announcement linked to above. Remember, this is not a popularity vote. Your top 10 entry / entries should be your prediction of who the actual top 10 will be according to the official judging panel.

Winners will be announced at the Grand Finale for the challenge, which will be held 06:00 SLT on Sunday, December 13th 2015.

Love is … at the Living Room in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Gidgy Buckshot (Gidgy Adagio) - The Living Room
Gidgy Buckshot (Gidgy Adagio) – The Living Room

November sees Gidgy Buckshot (Gidgette Adagio) arrive at The Living Room Gallery and music venue with an exhibition of work entitled Love Is…  – and it is a sheer joy.

Many may be familiar with the title, Love Is…, as being used in the cartoon series by the late Kim Casali. This is no accident, as Gidgy explains, “When I was a little girl, my Great Grandmother used to collect a comic strip called “love is”. She’d cut out the comics and tape them into an album. I spent hours looking through her scrapbook. This series is dedicated to my Great Grams. How I miss those moments with her.”

Gidgy Buckshot (Gidgy Adagio) - The Living Room
Gidgy Buckshot (Gidgy Adagio) – The Living Room

Taking their lead from the original cartoons, Gidgy’s pictures present a whimsical and delightful set of scenes shoot with her partner, Wilberforce Buckshot (WilberforceBuckshot). Some of these, like the originals, have been taken with the couple naked, while all of them express the joys of being in love, be it when greeting your partner as they return from a trip, caring for them whilst they are ill, sharing a daring pastime together, missing them when they are absent – even discovering one of their naughty secrets (the Interwebz have a lot to answer for, above right!).

In all, 13 images are presented, all of them for sale, and together they give a charming and touching insight into the lives of Gidy and Wilburforce as an older couple still very much full of the youthful joys of love.

As well as the Love Is… series, and located on the floors above and below it, are further examples of Gidy’s photography which reveal more of her talent, offering a set of visually stunning studies of avatars.

Gidgy Buckshot (Gidgy Adagio) - The Living Room
Gidgy Buckshot (Gidgy Adagio) – The Living Room

Love Is … is a wonderful display of art which captures the essence of the original comic series and offers it through the lens of Second Life in a way that cannot fail to bring a smile to the lips. Alongside of it,  the display of Gidgy’s more formal work present a powerful contrast in styles and approach, and which demonstrate a formidable eye for composition and artistic statement. Together, the two aspects of this exhibition make it one not to be missed.

November will also see Owl, Daallee and Nora hosting musics events at The Living Room, featuring Billy Thunders at 17:00 SLT on Thursday, November 12th, followed by The Vinnie Show at 18:00 SLT. Then, on Tuesday, November 24th, Wald Schridde will be closing out Gidgy’s exhibition with a live show at 18:00 SLT.

SLurl Details

Art in Hats: supporting diabetes treatment in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Art in Hats 2015
Art in Hats 2015

Art in Hats returns to Second Life this November, forming a flagship event for Team Diabetes of Second Life, the official representative of the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Running from November 4th through until the 14th included, the events sees Emma Portilo, taking over from Quan Lavender with the latter’s blessing, take the reins,  ably supported by Chloe Seljan and Johannes1977 Resident, who will be coordinating entertainment throughout the event, and Jessii2009 Warrhol managing the PR. The event itself will take place in stylish region designed by Kimmera Madison.

Art in Hats 2015
Art in Hats 2015

Over 70 designers are taking place in this year’s activities, and all of the hats will be available for purchase by visitors, with 100% of proceeds from sales going to the ADA, as will money raised through a special Charity Auction which will close the event on Saturday, November 14th.

Art in Hats will open to the public on Wednesday, November 4th at 06:00 SLT, and there will be featured DJ sessions every day through to Friday November 6th.

The Grand Opening for the event will take place on Saturday November 7th, at 12:00 noon SLT, and will be followed at 16:00 SLT by the Grand Opening Fashion Show and then at 20:00 SLT by the Art In Hats 2015 Event Gala.

Art in Hats
Art in Hats 2015

Highlights for Sunday, November 8th include Josie Anderton singing live at 14:00 SLT, followed by the Bring it On! Styling Contest at 15:00 SLT, in which the public is invited to show off the hats they have created on the Art in Hats stage, with random gifts will be given during the show. Sunday’s activities will round-out with the Style it Party: dance and wear your own hat to the music of DJ John, with the best in style prize awarded by popular vote during the event.

Music events will then continue through until Saturday, November 14th, and the close of Art in Hats. This will feature a final fashion show at 16:00 SLT, with the Public Hat Contest winners announced and prizes for the top two designs awarded at 18:00 SLT, followed by the Charity Auction in support of The American Diabetes Association featuring unique hats donated by creators. The event will then draw to a close with the Final Chance Shopping Party at 22:00 SLT, offering attendees a final opportunity to buy the hats they like, raise more money for ADA, and dance.

For a full line-up of activities and entertainment, be sure to check-out the Art in Hats 2015 schedule.

About Arts in Hats and Team Diabetes of Second Life

Founded in 2013 by Quan Lavender, the initial event offered a means for SL couture designers and artists to present images of hats as statement of art, each with a story to tell. In 2014, over 100 hats and their paired images displayed by designers and photographers, with Art in Hats supporting the work of Feed A Smile.

TD-logoSome 387 million people globally live with diabetes, and the World Health Organisation estimates that diabetes could be the 7th leading cause of death by 2030.

Founded by Jessi2009 Warrhol and Johannes1977 Resident, Team Diabetes is the official and authorised team of the American Diabetes Association in Second Life. Functioning as an advisory board, Team Diabetes of Second Life comprises members Jessii2009 Warrhol, Johannes1977 Resident, Emma Portilo, Veruca Tammas, Sandie Loxingly, Rob Fenwitch and Earth Nirvana, with Saiyge Lotus serving as special advisor to the board.

Team Diabetes of Second Life’s mission is to raise awareness of diabetes, promote greater understanding of the issues those suffering from diabetes face, and to raise funds to further research into cures for diabetes.

SLurl Details

  • Art in Hats, Crestwood Acres (Rated: Moderate) – note this SLurl will not be generally available until Art in Hats opens on Wednesday, November 4th

Intimate and erotic Moments in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Dathúil Gallery
Dathúil Gallery

Starting on Monday November 2nd, and running through to the end of the month is a new exhibition at Dathúil Gallery, operated by Max Butoh and curated by Lυcy (LucyDiam0nd).

Moments features a series of images by Shurely Shan, who describes herself as a “Second Life erotic photographer and model, and all-around expert in messing around with stuff.”  given this, it should come as no surprise to visitors to Dathúil  will find Moments has more than a little bit of an erotic / NSFW touch.

Moments - Dathúil Gallery
Moments – Dathúil Gallery

“Over the past two years I have tried to explore intimacy, desire, emotion and passion through photography in Second Life,” Surely states. “Moments is a collection of some of my favourite shots. I hope you enjoy it.”

The result is a selection of images capturing intimate moments, which vary in style from an intimacy with just a hint of eroticism through to those which are both deeply intimate and very sexual in pose and content.

Dathúil Gallery
Moments – Dathúil Gallery

There is also a voyeuristic element to some of the images which gives them an additional twist. The naked woman caught sleeping, for example, is this a picture taken by a lover, capturing that intimate moment of sleep, to be shared with the sleeper when she awakes? Or is it a picture taken entirely in secret, and set to remain outside of the sleeper’s knowledge, thus shifting it into the realm of voyeurism?

And that is the power of each of the images on display; while it may be easy to feel somewhat titillated or offended by the subject matter, the fact is that each of these pictures tells a story, regardless of how much overt sexuality they each display; they are moments caught in time. Moments which can be seen to be deeply personal and involving to those caught within them, and also to the picture taker, whoever we imagine that might be.

Moments - Dathúil Gallery
Moments – Dathúil Gallery

This is the first exhibition to take place in the remodelled Dathúil Gallery, which now sports a tall brick build whilst still retaining the look and feel of a converted distillery. It’s a design that works well, offering a catwalk like upper floor which runs around the four walls of the building, and reached by wooden steps. With its slender brick pillars, overhanging first floor and the opportunity to divide the floorspace into distinct areas, there would appear to be a lot of flexibility in how the spaces within the gallery might be used in future exhibitions.

But right now there is Moments, a display of intensely intimate and beautifully framed scenes, something lovers of adult-themed art should definitely not miss.

SLurl Details

Of dreams and nightmares in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Broad Street Gallery, Crestwick Island
Broad Street Art Gallery, Crestwick Island

…Of Dreams and Nightmares is the title of the current art exhibition being held at the Broad Street Art Gallery, Crestwick Island.  As the title might suggest, the exhibition takes its theme from the time of year, and features the work of artists  .kiki, Cipherscape, Burk Bode, Senna Coronet, Harbor Galaxy, MM, Isa Messioptra, Mich Michabo, Maloe Vansant, William Weaver and Robin the Femboy Wonder.

Each artist presents a single piece in keeping with the theme, resulting in a rich diversity of images, which fully encompass dreaming, dreams, and nightmares, with touches of the surreal and of the erotic.

... Of Dreams and Nightmares, Broad Street Gallery, Crestwick Island
… Of Dreams and Nightmares, Broad Street Art Gallery, Crestwick Island

As with Not Yet Dark, which I reviewed back in July 2015, this is an incredibly charged exhibit ideally suited to the gallery’s cosy confines. Each piece carries its own story, some of which are quite complex and can be interpreted a number of ways, while others speak directly to our the fears we may escape during the day, but can loom large at night or in our sleep.

Take Harbor Galaxy’s Anxiety at 3:00am for example, which binds together a hint of a personal nightmare and a reference to the 3:00am myth, both of which speak to us subconsciously as we look at the piece. Alongside it, Maloe Vansant’s What Lies Beneath offers a similar duality:  the hidden things haunting our subconscious which come out as we sleep, and a reference, perhaps, to the fear that follows us from childhood that something nasty is lurking beneath us, under the bed.

... Od Dreams and Nightmares, Broad Street Gallery, Crestwick Island
… Od Dreams and Nightmares, Broad Street Art Gallery, Crestwick Island

But these aren’t all dark images; Senna Coronet offers a vision of the power of words to carry us away to dreams and imaginings that are neither dark nor threatening in her piece, Lines On a Page Carried Me Away. William Weaver, meanwhile, presents an altogether different view on the nature of dreams (or should that be fantasies?) in his Awakenings (do be sure to catch Isa Messioptra’s little take on this piece which sits just side the gallery’s door; it again offers a clever dual take on things).

All told, another superb exhibition, with all of the pieces available free of charge to visitors. Should you drop in to see them, do please consider a small donation at the door to help with covering the costs of running both the gallery and Crestwick Island.

SLurl Details and Related Links

Final days to Pursue Impossible & a L$560K+ prize pool in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Image courtesy of UWA
Image courtesy of UWA / Eliza Wierwright

The University of Western Australia’s (UWA) latest 3D art and machinima challenge, Pursue Impossible is counting down the final days before entries close at midnight SLT, on October 31st, 2015. With a prize pool for participants in both the art and machinima categories standing at over L$ 560,000, there have already been some amazing submissions – and there is still time for artists and film-makers  to create and submit their own entries.

Pursue Impossible takes its theme from the UWA’s clarion call to students in the physical world to achieve their fullest possible potential by studying with the university. Within the challenge, it calls on entrants to consider what their “impossible” might be.

Kazuhiro Aridian - "Rise Above the Mundane" - Pursue Impossible
Kazuhiro Aridian – “Rise Above the Mundane” – Pursue Impossible

Perhaps it might be something personal, a goal achieved individually or by a loved one or friend. Or perhaps it is consideration of those things we deem to be impossible, but which we may still pursue and conquer as individuals or collectively. Perhaps it is itself a clarion call for us all to face the things we consider impossible and rise above them; or maybe it is an illustration of how virtual environments empower people to visualise, create and push the boundaries of the possible. There are many options and opportunities to consider.

Jipe Loon – “Impossible Quest” – Pursue Impossible

Currently, the first prize for each category stands at L$60,000 plus a cover feature with BOSL magazine. Should you wish to enter either or both categories, full details of entry requirements can be found on the Pursue Impossible announcement page.  However, a brief outline of the key points to keep in mind is given below.

  • Art submissions are limited to one per entrant, must have COPY permissions, should not exceed 150 LI, and must be free from any copyright issues – if third-party content is used in an entry, permission must and been sought and granted from the creator for its inclusion in the Challenge
  • Entrants can submit as many machinima pieces as they wish, but films should preferably be no longer than 4 minutes and 30 seconds (although this is not a “hard” rule), and should be made specifically for this challenge. All films must include “For The University of Western Australia’s MachinimUWA VIII: Pursue Impossible” in the opening credits
  • All submissions should allow casual viewers to interpret how the theme is represented, or provide a means by which the piece can be understood in the context of the challenge theme, either via note card (art) or text in the video description when uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, etc.

As well as the art and machinima category prizes, there will also be special cash prizes for audience participation. The total prize pool for this currently stands at L$41,000, and prizes will be awarded to those members of the audience whose top 10 lists most closely align to the final juried top 10 entries in each category.

Details on how to enter the audience participation part of the challenge will be announced in due course. In the meantime, don’t forget to check the art entries at the UWA Gallery and the video submissions on the UWA blog.

Related Links