Reviews – Page 279 – Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld

A little more on Monocle Man in Second Life

Posted on July 12, 2019January 1, 2022 by Inara Pey

At the start of the week, I dropped into Monocle Man, the gallery complex operated by Lynx Iuga and Kit Boyd, to take a look at the exhibition by DustinPedroia. As I mentioned, the complex also includes spaces for artists to display their work, so to round-out the working week, I decided to jump back and take a look at the rest of the complex.

As noted in my first article (see Art with a Monocle Man in Second Life), Monocle Man offers free gallery spaces for 20 days at a time to artists wishing to display their work. These spaces can be found via the teleport disk located outside the front door of the ground-level gallery that also provides access to other points of potential interest for visitors (left-click the disk for a list of destinations, right-click and select Teleport to go to the selected destination).

The sky gallery (“Gallery” on a teleport disk) provides two floors with space for up to four artists. Currently the spaces are being used by ViktorSavior and Lynx Iuga, with (I believe) an exhibition in the process of being set-up by RoseHanry (just the one image was on display during my two visits).

ViktorSavior has been something of a “featured” artist in these pages of late – for which I make no apologies; I find his work attractive and engaging. Here he presents more of his watercolour paintings, wonderful landscape that involve two of his favourite subjects: water and sky.

Upstairs, Lynx occupies two rooms with his art, a wonderfully broad mix of avatar, animal and landscape studies rich in colour and / or ton,e and beautifully focused on their subjects. They reveal a photographer and artist with an eye for setting and story, and a talent for spotting angles by which to add depth to his images. Just take his picture of a goose standing in a doorway as an example of this: the subject is central to the image, but the angle – shot from behind the goose and at its eye-level – serves to give us an usual perspective on the room beyond while offering an almost first-person perspective on the adventures of our white feathered subject as it venture through a door left ajar.

Elsewhere, the teleport system provides access to a photographic studio with two floors of space for posed photography, complete with lighting, pose and backdrop systems; a BDSM-oriented playroom / photographic area; a video cinema; a “fencing studio” overlooking London’s Houses of Parliament; a sky sphere (“Dome”) in which you can float around in a bubble (rezzer close to the teleport disk -and do allow the local sounds to play music, not the main stream); a second skydome (“Menhirs”) offering a model of Stonehenge in which to relax; and a strange steampunk-like aircraft hanger / workshop being held aloft on the backs of airships.

All of these additional spaces can offer opportunities for photography (as well as for relaxing in the case of the Stonehenge setting and sky sphere), but I admit to being attracted to the hanger setting (“Fly”), if for no other reason than it was such an entirely unexpected find.

Thus, Monocle Man makes for a broad-ranging visit, whether you’re out to view art, create art, display your art or simply explore. Those who are interested in making use of the gallery spaces should contact either Kit or Lynx in-world.

SLurl Details

Monocle Man Gallery (Flying Fortress, rated Adult)

][Octopussy][ goes Cuba in Second Life

Posted on July 10, 2019June 15, 2021 by Inara Pey

][Octopussy][ goes Cuba, July 2019 – click and image for full size

We were led to ][Octopussy][ goes Cuba on the recommendation of Shawn and Max, discovering in the process a sun-drenched tropical island with a lot to offer visitors.

A joint design by FleurLaRosa and WillkinThos, this homestead region is adult rated and does embrace nudity and adult activities – providing the clearly stated rules are followed; but this should in no way put people off paying it a visit, as there is a lot to appreciate.

][Octopussy][ goes Cuba, July 2019

This is very much a place of two halves, visually. There is the tall, rocky plateau of the island, and the low-lying beaches stretching out to the west and curling around to the south. The former is home to the main landing point, sitting towards the centre of the region, and a gaily-painted village location that sits above it. The village, with its 50’s style cars and bright colours is obviously intended to evoke the Cuban feel suggested by the region’s title.

There might be a tendency to make allusions to James Bond given the region’s name, and certainly, the British spy has been to Cuba and other tropical locations, and in places the Octopus logo found the island kind-of offers suggestions of an inverted SPECTRE symbol. But really, any alignment of the region with Bond is purely in the imagination. Instead, this is a place for photography, fun and music.

][Octopussy][ goes Cuba, July 2019

The latter is catered for at several points around the island, but perhaps most obviously in the underground ][ Octopussy ][ Lounge. This can be found through the tunnel to one side of the landing point, and has is unique visual appeal. This makes imaginative use of the [Original] the Spa – Black edition by Abiss to provide an underground club space designed to give the feeling of being underwater; large screens around the walls present videos of fish swimming among rocks and coral, and the floor of the dance floor is, in part, glass sitting over coral and water through which more fish swim.

A set of steps connect the landing point with the broad western beach, which offers plenty of space to sit and relax in the sun, as well as broad walks extending out over the shallows to reed-covered sand bars. These are home to both birds and waterfowl, and offer more places to relax and enjoy company or the scenery. One of these board walks extends well out to the north-west, offering visitors the chance to gain an off-shore view of the island – although it conveniently connects to the local rum bar should anyone get thirsty! For the more active, the board walk from the south beach connects to a wooden dance floor complete with line dancing options.

][Octopussy][ goes Cuba, July 2019

Two paths from the landing point lead up to the little village, the longer of them passing a little shrine and a place to sit before arriving at the village square. This offers another place where music and dancing can be enjoyed, or for those who prefer, the opportunity to enjoy the local outdoor bar. A smaller square off the north-east corner of the village plaza provides access to a sunny, cliff-edge terrace, a wide path cut between the rocks inviting exploration.

This path reveals it actually runs along the far side of a box canyon that quickly opens up, in part separating the north side of the island’s uplands from the village. Water flows outward from the bottom of the canyon and a rope suspension bridge offers a means of crossing it from the north-east corner of the village. Follow the path as it slopes gently downwards and it’ll take you to a little log bridge spanning the canyon’s water just before it tumbles over high falls. The path then leads back to the landing point (but don’t miss the little look-out point!), making for a nice loop around the upper reaches of the island.

][Octopussy][ goes Cuba, July 2019

][Octopussy][ goes Cuba is a region rich in detail, including the support sound scape, and which also has its own sense of fun – including the late Stan Lee enjoying a twirl on one of the dance floors! His presence, and that of others dancing and static figures also help to add a little depth to the island, making it feel occupied even if you’re a lone explorer.

All told, an attractive region with much to offer visitors and nicely photogenic; whilst exploring, keep an eye out for the little gift envelopes waiting to be found.

SLurl Details

][Octopussy][ goes Cuba (Libera, rated Adult)

The art of Silence in Second Life

Posted on July 10, 2019January 1, 2022 by Inara Pey

*Nitroglobus Roof Gallery: David Silence*

Officially opening on Saturday, July 13th, but available for preview at of Nitroglobus Roof Gallery curated by Dido Haas, is Silences, featuring the art of David Silence.

Dido is justifiably proud to have been able to persuade him to present his first solo exhibition at Nitroglobus, and Silences demonstrates he has considerable skill in constructing scenes that present a moment in time belonging to perhaps a larger story canvas, and for evoking emotional and intellectual responses through his work.

After returning from a long absence, SL became for me a tool to discover, recognise things of myself without filters without masks. I use Silence to capture emotions, which we can find with attention in an avatar. In this first exhibition … the intention was to see myself, to strip myself of myself, look at myself from a distance, naked, try to understand me and show me during this phase of my life.

– David Silence, discussing Silences

Thus it is we’re presents with a series of marvellous images, predominantly of David’s avatar, each of which engages the eye and mind on multiple levels. Given there is something of a metaphorical stripping away of preconceptions of self and the influence of how one might wish to appear to the rest of the world, many of the images feature naked, or near-naked avatars; their nudity perfectly reflecting the idea of the stripping away of ego and self (it also means, as an aside, some of the images might be considered NSFW).

Whether it is intentional or not, the images are displayed in such a way as to suggest grouping by theme. Along the southern arm of the gallery, for example, are images pairing David and his model (Dido?) in a manner suggestive an exploration of self and relationships – who are we with those closest to us?

Meanwhile, along the gallery’s north facing wing, are a pair of images that are suggestive of an exploration of self without the masks we so often wear, and the questions of who we might actually be, beautifully suggested through the presence of owl and zebra head, as they lead the way further around the gallery and its exploration of self before returning to the studies of self and companionship.

In this way the images engage the intellect, encouraging us to consider matters of self, identity and generate a degree of personal reflection. But alongside of this, many of the images have, as noted, a broader canvas of narrative in which we can become engaged. Again as an example, take the initial three images feature David and his model on the southern wall of the gallery; these present a story of a relationship that paints itself in our thoughts: who are the couple? What are the thoughts they are each holding? What is the cause of the apparent tension evident between them? And more.

Thus, Silences is a richly engaging exhibition, powerful in the ways in which it engages the eye and mind, the dark tones evident in many of the pieces simply serving to draw us deeper into them. With its official opening at 13:00 SLT on Saturday, July 13th, featuring music by Gitu Aura, this is yet another Nitroglobus exhibition that should not be missed.

SLurl Details

Nitroglobus Roof Gallery (Sunshine Homestead, rated: Moderate)

A return to Cooper Creek Wilderness

Posted on July 8, 2019June 15, 2021 by Inara Pey

Cooper Creek Wilderness, July 2019 – click and image for full size

In passing suggestions for regions to visit, Miro Collas recently reminded me that it has been almost four years to the day since I last wrote about Cooper Creek Wilderness and the public regions of Sailor’s Cove Rain Forest (see A walk in the wilderness in Second Life). We’ve been back numerous times, both by boat and by air, and have noted various changes to the regions – notably the rise of Mount Cooper, the massive mountain that dominates the southern end of the estate, which I’ve yet to write about. So Miro’s reminder served as a reason for us to hop back for a visit that could include Mount Cooper and give a reason for me to write an updated post.

Now, to be clear, there are a lot of places to explore within the Rain Forest, and they can be reached via direct teleport or by flying / boating. For this article, and to match the flavour of my original piece, I’m setting out a possible tour using the latter – aircraft and boat -, but SLurls are also provided for those preferring the more direct means of travel.

Cooper Creek Wilderness – Frasier Island Airstrip, July 2019

For those flying in, the Rain Forest Airfield (formerly the Sailors Cove South (SCS) airfield) is the initial destination to head for. In 2015, this was a fairly small affair, with the runway running east-west. It’s since been expanded, with a north-south runway (although approach and take-off should be from / to the north, given the bulk of Mount Cooper looming so close. With revised helipads, a seaplane ramp and a fair amount of parking, the new airstrip offers more space – but is still only suitable for light aircraft.

From here, explorers can switch to kayak – there is a rezzer to the east of the airfield, just beyond the Get The Freight Out terminal. The rezzer pier sits close to a channel that cuts northwards through Frasier Island and Cerrado to Cooper Creek Wilderness, or offers a route south to Mount Cooper (which, if you prefer, can also be reached by ferry).

Cooper Creek Wilderness, July 2019

Should you head north along the water channel, keep in mind that both Frasier Island and Cerrado have private residences on the west banks of the main north-south channel cutting through them. There is also a large private residence on the north side of Cerrado as well, sitting just across the water from the Fishers Island Yacht Club, which is open to the public.

As well as being navigable via kayak, both Cerrado and Cooper Creek Wilderness each have a series of raised board walks and winding wooden paths running through the trees, over the water and climbing up the higher reaches of land. These offer plenty of opportunities for exploration on foot (there are other numerous kayak rezzing points, should you wish to resume your explorations on the water).

Cooper Creek Wilderness -The Alchemis, July 2019

There are numerous places to be found whilst exploring the walks and waters of the rain forest – from the obvious places such as the Yacht Club (another kayak rezzing point sitting just across the east side channel), or The Alchemis coffee bar or the Butterfly House, and so on. The best place to find out more about the sights is from the sign at the Cooper Creek Wilderness landing point. When touched, this will offer you a note card detailing many of the attractions, all the way down to Mount Cooper.

If you do head south to Mount Cooper, I recommend avoiding the marina-style mooring sitting on the far side of the channel from Frasier Island, and instead turn south-east to make for the smaller pier sitting by a sandy shelf on the far side of the great gorge cut into the side of Mount Cooper. From here, you can follow the trails up the side of the mountain on foot or via horseback (terrain allowing, if you are using a rezzed horse – wearable horses are fair better, if you have one) and enjoy the open air.

Cooper Creek Wilderness – Mount Cooper, July 2019

A point to note with Mount Cooper – as with other parts of the rain forest regions as noted above – is that as well as being a public park, it is also home to a number of private residences – the first of which can be encountered when following the trail up from the horse rezzer. So while exploring, do keep people’s privacy in mind.

The paths up the mountain are a mix of grassy trail, rock-based path or stony trail (the latter of which can cause rezzed horses some problems). The also offer multiple routes of exploration, so I strongly recommend you give Mount Cooper plenty of time for a visit, as there is far more to see than may at first appear to be the case.

Cooper Creek Wilderness – Mount Cooper, July 2019

In particular, keep an eye out for the numerous entrances to the network of tunnels and caverns running through the heart of the mountain. These offer surprises of their own, including the opportunity to take a wet bungee jump (which can also be reached via a rocky path up from the marina). And when you’ve done with that, a swim through the underwater tunnel might reveal more.

All of the above really just scratches the surface of the Cooper Creek Wilderness and Mount Cooper. As destinations, both deserve a decent amount of time to explore – possibly over more than one visit. Both present their own points of interest, with zip line rides, walks, places to sit, and so on, and each obviously offers its own opportunities for photography.

Cooper Creek Wilderness – Mount Cooper, July 2019

SLurl Details

Rain Forest Airfield (Frasier Island, rated Moderate) – light aircraft only
Airfield kayak pier (Frasier Island, rated Moderate)
Cooper Creek Wilderness (rated Moderate)
Mount Cooper, north pier (Mount Cooper, rated Moderate)

Art with a Monocle Man in Second Life

Posted on July 8, 2019January 1, 2022 by Inara Pey

Monocle Man is a new gallery endeavour by Lynx Iuga, along with SL partner Kit Boyd, that is available for artists seeking a free, short-term space in which to exhibit their art.

We would love to inform you about a new concept at Monocle Man. We have two lovely exposition places that we would love to share with you. Showing your wonderful work to others and share it or even sell it. Have your own free gallery for a short time (20 days)! Ask Lynx or Kit for more information.

– from the Monocle Man introductory note card

Occupying two floors – a main ground floor and a mezzanine upper level – with the décor suggestive of a café or private club, the ground-level gallery offers a fair amount of wall space for art exhibitions in an environment that makes for a comfortable visit. Outside is a teleport lead up to the additional gallery spaces and other attractions.

Currently on exhibition is DustinPedroia, a Second Life photographer focusing on avatar studies. He presents some two dozen pieces covering a range of themes, from fairly direct portraiture through fantasy to studies of love and companionship.

This range of themes makes this exhibition and eclectic, engaging viewing, one that is enhanced by Dusty’s use of different styles in finishing his images, employing soft focus in some, a degree of colour saturation in another, tonal colouring in others, a split balance of monochrome and colour, and so on. These variations in style ensure that each piece offered appears fresh and new to the eye.

As is well known to anyone reading these pages, I’m particularly drawn to artists who can tell a story with their images – and Dusty most certainly falls into this category. Take A Primise [sic] Within or Let Freedom Ring, sitting side-by-side at the back of the ground floor of the gallery. The former embraces a moment from a much broader tale just waiting for the imagination to unfold, the latter contains both a story and an evocative statement for the current political climate in the United States (and other western nations).

Elsewhere, the message / story is perhaps more subtle / evocative / personal, but it is there nevertheless. Just look at the likes of Take On Me and You Make Me Smile as just two examples of this.

Having opened on July 6th, Dusty’s work will be on display for another 18 days – and definitely should not be missed. And as noted, artists wishing to available themselves of the gallery should contact either Lynx or Kit in-world.