Nitroglobus Roof Gallery Annex, May 2026: Sienna Dust – Lacuna
Now open through until the latter part of June within The Annex of Dido Haas’ Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, is a series of haunting monochrome studies by Sienna Dust. Entitled Lacuna (meaning “gap”) it follows on directly from Sienna’s April / May 2026 exhibition at Nitroglobus, Illicit Glimpse.
I did actually get the time to drop in on the latter during its run, but didn’t actually get to the point of writing about it at the time – shame on me. However, given that the one does somewhat follow-on from the other, a knowledge of Illicit Glimpse is not a requirement for appreciating what is offered here; it is approachable in an of itself. However, given their intertwinement in terms of themes, I’ll be mentioning both here.
Nitroglobus Roof Gallery Annex, May 2026: Sienna Dust – Lacuna
Illicit Glimpse offered a series of black-and-white avatar studies (Sienna’s avatar, I believe). Each piece, beautifully framed, sat as a study in sensuality and femininity which both invited the observer into them, but which also wrapped within them the idea that what the observer might be glimpsing is what the subject in each image wants to reveal; a mere glimpse of an idea or emotion, the rest remained veiled – or as Sienna describes it, withheld from the observer. In other words, there is something of a void, a gap between intent and response; between seeing and understanding.
With the images presented in Lacuna, it is this void, this gap, that we are invited to explore and debate with ourselves as to what is being revealed and what is being withheld; to look for what might hidden within shadow or etched in part in light, and what it might add to each image and what it might still yet withhold.
Nitroglobus Roof Gallery Annex, May 2026: Sienna Dust – Lacuna
In this, I’d suggest that another meaning of lacuna could be used when visiting this exhibition: “deficiency”. Not, I hasten to add, on the artist’s part, far from it; but within ourselves. For these are pieces which both artfully reveal and veil, that we are left wanting in our attempts to interpret; we can never quite hear the whispers of intent that lay within them.
A genuinely exquisite collection of images; one very much worth the time taken to see and consider them, whether one views them purely in the context of a series of avatar studies or within the wider context offered by Sienna.
Nitroglobus Roof Gallery Annex, May 2026: Sienna Dust – Lacuna
It’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of visiting an exhibition of art by Thus Yootz; and to be honest with things being what they have been of late, I likely came perilously close to missing this one, considering it originally opened some two months ago at the Kondor Arts Centre, curated and operated by Hermes Kondor!
Hauling from Greece, Thus studied for a BA and MA in art over 5 years at the Athens School of Fine Arts, studying under masters such as Christakis Tassos, and has enjoyed success down the years exhibiting her art in the physical world. In joining Second Life, Thus has – like many of us – tried her hands at numerous activities: region designer, content creator, photographer, wedding planner and artist, demonstrating her love of expression and creativity.
Kondor Art Centre, May 2026 – Thus Yootz
As one might expect given her qualifications and creativity, Thus’ art is richly diverse in its influences and presentation, something which guarantees those visiting her exhibitions will be well rewarded for doing so. With this exhibition – which so far as I could tell is untitled – this diversity of influence and style is much in evidence.
Spread across the lobby entrance and main floor of the gallery hall, the exhibition presents 16 large format pieces, the majority of which lean towards abstract, where colour and geometry rule more than form and reality. Even in images that carry recognisable elements – a boat, trees, buildings, and so on – there is something otherworldly in how they are presented; as if we are being lifted to a higher plane of existence / awareness in which the familiar is made new.
Kondor Art Centre, May 2026 – Thus Yootz
Some of the pieces carry an interesting oriental lean, giving them an interesting cultural mix as they bring together hints of classical oriental life – lanterns, older buildings, painted calligraphy – but seen through a modernistic lens suggestive of computer lines, neon, and digital extraction. In doing so, they become a perfect representation of how one might imagine far eastern countries embrace both the modern and their long histories.
Thus, all of these pieces are dynamic, both it terms of their form and presentation and in what they say to us, from eliciting admiration for their sheer artistry and emotional content (Fury, Lavender Meadows and Japanese Red) through aforementioned cultural blending (perhaps most noticeably – but not limited to – Walking Down that Musical Road, Her World and Neon Melody), to even whispered commentary of the depth and beauty of nature (Explosive Flowers as it illustrates the intense beauty and colour of nature here on Earth in a manner that could be said to reflect the beauty of the cosmos around as seen via gas clouds and nebulae).
Kondor Art Centre, May 2026 – Thus Yootz
In all, another stunning selection of art – but do be sure to hop over to see it sooner rather than later. And my apologies to Thus for my tardiness in doing so myself!
The Third Place, May 2026 – click any image for full size
I was somewhat intrigued by the Destination Guide entry for The Third Place; where many public places in Second Life tend to change seasonally or perhaps monthly (if they do opt to change), The Third Place offers something a little more frequent:
The Third Place is a vibrant region where you should wander around, take photos, explore virtual art, and chat. Every week, its works change, are refined, or disappear. Don’t miss out! It’s perfect for couples and artists. Come enjoy the beaches, caves, hidden treasures, and sunrises.
– The Third Place Destination Guide entry
The Third Place, May 2026
Weekly changes, even in term of any art elements within a region, is something that sounds interesting and curious – so off I hopped to have a look.
Obviously, a place that does undergo such frequent updates is perhaps a little hard to write about – what I see today, someone coming across this article in a couple of weeks time might find entirely absent from the setting. As such, I’ll endeavour to keep my observations more general.
The Third Place, May 2026
A Homestead region and the work of Kat (Kathylin Resident), The Third Place is a rugged island in which visitors are free to wander overground and underground, encountering art vignettes along the way, together with plenty of opportunities for photography.
At the time of my visit, the Landing Point was located in the north-eastern lowlands of the region, on the edge of a wetland inlet itself abutting the off-region waters surrounding. The first of these art elements lay on the shoreline of these wetlands, whilst the main path rising from this to move inland. Passing through woodlands, it turns again to follow the coastline partly around the island and past some of the art installations awaiting discovery.
The Third Place, May 2026
The art installations themselves are spaced around the region, allowing each to stand independently one from the next. They come in different sizes, some large, others individual pieces. Some of these – again at least during the time of my visit – are located close to large empty frames which allow unique opportunities to photograph the art pieces themselves.
As well as the art, The Third Place offers places to sit and pass the time. Scattered across the island like the art, these help encourage visitors to wander and explore. Such explorations can be carried out on foot, following the footpaths and trails winding over the landscape or via horseback (you can wear / rez your own), or – if it is still available and you locate it – you can use the bubble ride rezzer.
The Third Place, May 2026
Per my note earlier, the island includes paths which pass underground via a connected series of tunnels which are worth the time taken to find your way into them and then exploring them fully. Above these, up on the mountain peak and reached via its own switchback path, further art can be found, again with opportunities for photography.
Rezzing in the region is open to visitors, allowing props to be used when taking pictures – but do make sure you collect your things afterwards. Rich in detail without feeling or looking overcrowded, The Third Place makes for an engaging visit.
Raglan Shire, Second Life’s Tiny community, is once again opening its doors to people from across the grid, as participating artists and visitors are invited to the Raglan Shire Artwalk 2025.
This year, the the event runs from Sunday, May 17th, through until Sunday, June 14th, 2025 inclusive. It offers an opportunity not just to appreciate a huge range of 2D art together with a selection of 3D pieces, but to also tour the Shire regions and enjoy the hospitality of the Raglan Shire community – one of the friendliest and fun-seeking groups in Second Life.
Raglan Shire Artwalk 2026
A non-juried exhibition, the Artwalk is open to any artist wishing to enter, and has minimal restrictions on the type of art displayed (one of the most important being all art is in keeping with the Shire’s maturity rating). All of this means that it offers one of the richest mixes of art displayed within a single location in Second Life, with 2D art displayed along the hedgerows of the Shire’s pathways and tree platforms overhead and 3D art among the community’s parks.
Over 100 artists are participating in 2026, many for the first time. As such, the depth and range of art on display is guaranteed to keep visitors exploring the paths and walks around and through the hedgerows – and if walking proves a little much, there are always the Shire’s tours to ease the load on the feet, together with the teleport boards to help move visitors swiftly around and through the different display areas. But that said, I do recommend exercising your pedal extremities and doing at least some of your exploration on foot – just keep in mind people do have their homes in the regions as well.
Raglan Shire Artwalk 2026
Given the number of artists involved, there isn’t a published list of participants, but anyone interested in the world of SL art is bound to recognise many of the names of the artists here. The Artwalk is also a marvellous way to see art from both our physical and digital worlds and for catching artists both familiar and new to your eye. Just don’t try to see it all at once; the Artwalk is open for a month, which gives plenty of time for browsing and appreciating the art without feeling overloaded.
SLurl Details
All of the Raglan Shire Artwalk regions are rated General.
Garden of Hope, May 2026 – click any image for full size
The Garden of Hope is a joint venture between Calas Galadhon and The Grove Estate and features the creative work of Tymus Tenk of Calas Galadhon and Patch Thibaud from The Grove. It came into being during the 2023 Relay for Life season Hope Floats as a memorial to all those who have lost their lives to cancer, and has now been restored as a lasting place of peace and remembrance.
Its return, coming during the 2026 Second Life Relay for Life season and (more personally) on the heels of my own emergence from the shadow of cancer (for the second time in a decade, albeit this time being somewhat more worrying than 2018), led it to being added to my list of places to visit.
Garden of Hope, May 2026
In fact, given its ties to Calas – a place that has long been close to my heart – it quickly percolated to the top of my list, hence this article. I was also, frankly, curious as to how Calas and The Grove came together, The Grove being another place which – while I’ve not really covered it in these pages due to much of it being residential in nature – I’ve enjoyed wandering through in past visits.
Garden of Hope, May 2026
The answer to this latter question, how do the two design approaches come together, is “extremely well”. The Garden of Hope is a simply beautiful setting, rich in detail, beautifully created with a multitude of spaces in which to remember those we may have lost – and serves as a fitting memorial to Crito Galtier, the original owner of The Grove, who provided guidance in the development of the Garden prior to his passing away at the end of 2023.
Garden of Hope, May 2026
The Landing Point offers an engaging description of the region – which is joined to the rest of the Calas Galadhon estate, sitting as it does close to the Garden’s northern edge where it joins Calas’ Glanduin. A path leads up to this northern boundary, whilst another points south and takes visitors deeper into the region.
Garden of Hope, May 2026
This southern path is, in some respects, the “stitching” that brings the “Grove influenced” and “Calas influenced” parts of the region together, the former sitting on the eastern side of the path (and meeting it at its southern end) and the latter running more down the west side of the region.
However, whilst there is this sort-of split to the region’s design, with either side of the path directly designed by Patch and Ty, the overall blending of the landscapes and features within them is a lot more subtle than their meeting simply being denoted by a path; something that becomes clear as one explores and moves from east to west and back again.
Garden of Hope, May 2026
The architecture on the east side of the region, for example is clearly drawn out of the influence of Patch’s work at The Grove, whilst to the west, the Garden carries the natural loo and feel of the countryside found within many of the Calas regions. As noted, they are linked by paths and trails with – one or two exceptions duly noted in a manner that present no divide, and thus presents both halves as a whole.
Garden of Hope, May 2026
The Garden also neatly brings together two very contrasting architectural styles into a single whole. Patch’s work very much speaks to Mediterranean themes and elements, leaning towards a modern take of Greco-Roman design and Tuscan influences. Ty’s work, meanwhile, as well as embracing the natural themes from Calas Galadhon, carries a strong oriental theme and motifs.
When walking through the Garden of Hope, it is hard not to be absorbed by its beauty and wrapped in a sense of thoughtful contemplation. Whether the latter is in remembrance of those we’ve lost or the great good fortune we’ve had (as in my case) in coming through an immediate threat posed by the disease, or simply in reflection of the care and love poured into the region’s design doesn’t really matter: Garden of Hope is a place which bestows a wonderful sense of tranquillity to all who pass through it.
Garden of Hope, May 2026
Throughout the Garden are places to sit or dance, and secret places to discover as they pass underground. There’s also more to come, as Ty noted to me during my visit: he and Patch plan to add a memorial wall where visitors can submit a name of someone they’ve lost, together with a short message. This will likely include an interactive element (Ty suggested a lotus on one of the bodies of water) visitors can touch and have a small golden orb rise to the skies as a prayer or wish for healing.
In all, the Garden of Hope is a place of piece, harmony and beauty which should not be missed.
Andante Gallery, May 2026: Burleh Leonard – Liquid Landscapes
Jules Neville (Jules Catlyn), co-owner of Andante Gallery along with Iris Okiddo (IrisSweet), invited me to visit their latest exhibition, featuring the work of Burleh Leonard, entitled Liquid Landscapes.
Until this exhibition, I hadn’t come across Burleh’s work, and having now visited, I have to say I’ve been missing out. His work is predominantly focused on Second Life landscapes, offering unique and captivating views of the diversity and beauty of SL locations, touched with the use of preferred EEP settings / post-processing techniques.
Andante Gallery, May 2026: Burleh Leonard – Liquid Landscapes
This is very much the case with Liquid Landscapes, a curated series of Burleh’s work. Across 19 images, he takes us on a tour of some of Second Life’s public spaces, capturing them through the lens of his camera and the eye of his imagination to present views that offer their subjects in the richest of colours through to the clarity of monochrome.
Each image invites the eye to admire and entices the eye to visit its subject. In this, it is a pity SLurls to all of the locations are not included with the pictures (something many of us are guilty of when exhibiting our work!). However, SLurls can be obtained through Burleh’s Flickr stream, from which the images are drawn, for those wishing to visit any given location (the sometimes transient nature of SL locations allowing!).
Andante Gallery, May 2026: Burleh Leonard – Liquid Landscapes
These very much are images by a photographer-artist exceptionally comfortable with both his subjects and the tools at his disposal, allowing him to frame moments in time and places with which we might well be familiar, in a manner that might well be very different to how they appear to the naked eye on visiting them. However, all of them nevertheless capture the spirit of their subjects and entice us to look at them anew.
In all, a superb exhibition well suited to Andante’s modest size and layout (utilising mirrored copies of the excellent Apple Fall Country Hall (a building I’ve in the past similarly modified to create a comfortable home), which allows art to be displayed in a manner that naturally encourages time to be spent with each image and without any single piece feeling like it is being crowded out by those around it demanding their share of our attention at the same time.
Andante Gallery, May 2026: Burleh Leonard – Liquid Landscapes
