Category: Reviews

Spirits of the Sea in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Spirits of the Sea – Serena Imagine Arts Centre

Now open at the Serena Imagine Arts Centre, curated by Vita Theas is a new exhibition of images by Storie’s  Helendale (GlitterPrincess Destiny). Spirits of the Sea is, as with Storie’s previous exhibitions, a themed piece, the images reflecting a thought or narrative.

The core element of this theme is provided via a blank verse Storie’s provides with the introduction to the piece:

In my imagination I felt to create the sense…
… that spirits or ghosts
inhabit the sea
with maybe an untimely demise
never the less they continue with their lives
pieces of memories
as seen through my eyes… or the spirits.

Spirits of the Sea – Serena Imagine Arts Centre

So it is that, under a lowering sky befitting the theme, are more than 20 ethereal piece set out over a foaming sea broken by a rocky shoreline. Twelve of the images are set out either side of two cylindrical walkways pointing out to sea. These give the impression you are perhaps in an aquarium or under the sea, looking out at the images within the waters “surrounding” the tunnels. Ladders at the far ends of the tubes allow you to climb down to the water itself – invisiprims prevent any risk of sinking – so you can walk out over the water to see the rest of the pieces.

Taken as a whole, Storie’s pictures displayed here at first appear to be an eclectic mix. All are very ethereal in tone – again, as befitting the theme of spirits and the departed. However, some suggest memories being recalled – the woman putting washing out to dry; the children playing basketball. Others perhaps suggest past tragedies or illness which led to the people within them becoming spirits, lost to the physical world but still going about their business in the other world of our oceans.

Spirits of the Sea – Serena Imagine Arts Centre

But is their existence a happy one? Again, some suggest being caught in a particular moment – that point of death where, beneath the surface of the waves with lungs aching, that final inhalation has been taken, and the body started on a slow journey into the Deep; the torment of helplessness evoked by wheelchair and straitjacket as fears are manifested in the form of sharks circling.

But not all of the images are dark like this; there is also a sense of friendship continued, a flicker here and there of love, dance, companionship – and waiting. In this the clue to all that is going on within these timeless moments is perhaps encapsulated in another blank verse, rising from the waters close to the landing point.

Your arrival makes us certain
our spirits will remain
preserved
as we breath in your colours.

we … have become so
fashionable
as we sleepwalk past our lives.

In echoed depths
Blended well.

Spirits of the Sea – Serena Imagine Arts Centre

An intriguing, captivating exhibition.

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The Hamptons in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

The HAmptons; Inara Pey, April 2018, on FlickrThe Hamptons – click any image for full size

A homestead region designed by Haye Von Ayenhaha (Haye Aya), The Hamptons offers a taste of the great outdoors, inspired by Northern East Coast or Western European landscapes. It’s a photogenic location, with a rich mix of landscape, walks, hints of human presence and places for couples to enjoy.

The land is split into three long-fingered rocky islands, linked by high wooden bridges. The western most of these island is where the landing point is located, on the broken courtyard of a former piano factory. It shares the courtyard with the detritus of the factory, a little café-style space, and assorted vehicles. South of this is a private area of the island, with ban lines warning people to keep out – a sign and security orb might be more preferable, but that’s a minor point; the rest of the region is nicely open to exploration.

The HAmptons; Inara Pey, April 2018, on FlickrThe Hamptons

North of the old factory are board walks overlooking the ocean, places to sit and cuddle, and a bridge linking the western island with the middle one of the trio. A second board walk angles away from the bridge, offering a way down into the gorge separating the two islands, where a rowing boat offers another cuddle spot. It’s possible to walk along the edge of the water here – just mind the bushes! – but remember, the south end of the island is off-limits.

The middle island flows around a large rocky spine into which an old mine shift drills its way back to a large cavern. Paths snake around either side of this backbone, the one to the west leading to a little terrace garden connected by wooden steps and low bridge to the private house. The terrace with its green house and potted plants can be visited, but the bridge to the house is again off-limits.  The path on the east side of the island offers views towards the final island in the group, and a board walk build out from the cliffs courtesy of a sturdy scaffold. An old barn sits part-way around the path, and another cuddle spot sits at the end of it.

The HAmptons; Inara Pey, April 2018, on FlickrThe Hamptons

Reached via another bridge, the final island of the three offers a more open-topped plateau than the others, the trees here fewer, allowing for open rugged grass to carpet it under the sky. Again, an arc of board walks offers a view out over the sea to the east, a single wooden stairway leading down to a shoreline platform – note this is signposted as being reserved for women only! There’s a little bit of an oriental theme here – a little Japanese-style structure sits on the plateau while down on the shore of the channel between this and the middle island a larger house is under construction.

An interesting aspect of the region is that Haye has used a number of her own custom mesh builds to fit the design – notably the board walks and steps; this greatly add to the feeling that a good deal of care and attention has gone into the design.

The HAmptons; Inara Pey, April 2018, on FlickrThe Hamptons

The Hamptons is a delightfully uncomplicated region design, very photogenic under a range of windlights, and presenting visitors with a quiet place in which to pass the time. The construction work I spotted suggests the region is still evolving, so don’t be surprised if you find more than I’ve described here.

All told, a very pleasing and relaxing visit.

The HAmptons; Inara Pey, April 2018, on FlickrThe Hamptons

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Kultivate 2018 Spring Art Show in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Kultivate Spring Art Show 2018

The Kultivate Magazine 2018 Spring Art Show officially opens on Friday, April 6th, and runs through until Saturday, April 14th. This celebration of 3D and 2D art features more than 40 participating artists, with both juried and non-juried art competitions, with those participating in the juried event competing to win a shared prize pot, gift cards, and more.

The event – which is taking place on a specially constructed show area at Kultivate Magazine’s home region of Water Haven – will also feature live performers, two hunts, a photo contest and learning opportunities.

The juried 2D and 3D artists are: AJ, CalystiaMoonShadow, Maaddi, Carly Afterthought, Wintergeist, Wild Alchemi, Sheba Blitz, Chanasitsayo, Eucalyptus Carroll, Avalon Chrome, Erkek DeCuir, Bellissa Dion, Slatan Dryke, Gwen Enchanted, Bri Graycloud, Syphera Inaka, Lala Lightfoot, Aquarius Lowtide,  Dakota Lavarock, Sabine Mortenwold, Pipit Peacedream, FiordiligiDaPonte Resident, KodyMeyers Resident, M8ty Resident, SecondHandTutti Resident, Jamee Sandalwood, Elle Thorkveld, Lucia Tophat,  Silverwind Tzedek, FreeDom Voix,  and Myra Wildmist.

Kultivate Spring Art Show 2018

The non-juried artists are: Eleseren Brianna, Jasmin Currier, Bellissa Dion, GlitterPrincess Destiny, Slatan Dryke, Hana Hoobinoo, aht1981 resident, Johannes1977 Resident, Kimblecoles Resident, M8ty Resident, Mangrovejane Resident, Eviana Robbiani (La Robbiani), Catalina Staheli, iSkye Silverweb, and Veruca Tammas.

Event Schedule

All times SLT.

  • Friday, April 6th, 2018:
    • 08:00: Art Show opens and hunt, quest and photo contest begin.
    • 16:00-17:00: Live Performer Parker Static
  • Saturday, April 7th, 2018:
    • 13:00-14:00: Coffee-house Learning Hour – Beginners or Refresher’s SL Photography with Kaijah Chrome.
    • 16:00-17:00: Coffee-house Learning Hour – Marketing Yourself as an Artist with John Brianna.
  • Sunday, April 8th, 2018:
    • 13:00-14:00: Coffee-house Learning Hour – Using Flickr to the Max with John Brianna.
    • 16:00-17:00: Coffee-house Learning Hour – Basic Photo Editing with John Brianna.
  • Monday, April 9th, 2018:
    • 16:00-17:00: Live Performer Nina Bing.
  • Tuesday, April 10th, 2018:
    • 16:00-17:00: Live Performer Wolfie Starfire.
  • Wednesday, April 11th:
    • 12:00-13:00: Coffee-house Learning Hour – Useful Stuff For Making Art with Eleseren Brianna.
    • 16:00-17:00: Live Performer Lark Bowen.
  • Thursday, April 12th, 2018:
    • 16:00-17:00: Live Performer Melenda Mikael.
  • Friday, April 13th, 2018:
    • 16:00-17:00: Live Performer Dimivan Ludwig.
    • 20:00: Photo contests ends.
  • Saturday, April 14th, 2018:
  • 13:00-14:00: Coffee-house Learning Hour – Copyright & Creative Commons in Photography with Veruca Tammas.
  • 15:00-16:00: Seanchai Library.
  • 16:00-17:00: Awards Event & Closing Party.
  • 20:00: hunt and quest end, photo contest winners announced.

For details on the hunt, quest and photo contest, please refer to the information boards at the event.

Kultivate Spring Art Show 2018

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A Green Story of two halves in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

Green Story; Inara Pey, April 2018, on FlickrGreen Story – click any image for full size

Green Story is a homestead region design by Dior (Rich Canis), who states to those visiting, “You have to relax here. You have to think here.” The twin ideals of relaxing and thinking somewhat reflect the matter in which this is a region largely of two halves.

A visit commences up in the sky, where a night scene awaits to capture eyes and thoughts. Perhaps a little dark for some, the rain adding to the atmosphere, this is a place that takes careful exploration, as not everything is immediately visible. As the landing point is on a wooden dock, be careful where you tread until things have rezzed.

Green Story; Inara Pey, April 2018, on FlickrGreen Story

Off to the left, a semi-ruined tower rises, reached by what appears to be charcoal sands – be careful on crossing them, as they’ve been set to phantom. A staircase rises from the seaward side of the tower, offering a way up to the first level, where a swing and poses can be found. Above, on the roof, is another place to sit, and a dance machine – but how you get up there is a matter of personal preference.

Across the landscape from the tower, a plateau rises, a path switch-backing up one side. It’s top forms what appears to be a place of worship, partially walled, a folly forming the centre of contemplation as the rain falls outside. A statue stands in the lee of an old watchtower, while behind the plateau a steep hill rises. It is not connected to the plateau in any way, so again, finding your way up to the trees houses crowning it is up to you.

Green Story; Inara Pey, April 2018, on FlickrGreen Story

Scattered across the low-lying lands are more places to sit, indoors and out, and bric-a-brac of all kinds lies scattered around, while lights are strung from the trees to provide some additional illumination. This is a quiet, contemplative place, one that encourages thinking, and perhaps a little romance in the rain. But, for those who prefer to continue their explorations, there is a teleport board close to the landing point – not always easy to see, but it leads the way down to ground level.

Here is a very different setting: two sandy islands sit under a bright sky from which snow falls to dust the sands. A great light-house points a white finger to the clouds on the south-east side of the region, a strange board-walk extending outwards from near the top, held up by long stilts. Below this are various places to sit and relax – a hut, and broken railway car, a deck and – out on the little island, another dock, with chairs and fire, sitting close to an empty shack.

Green Story; Inara Pey, April 2018, on FlickrGreen Story

There are one or two rough areas in the sky build – the aforementioned phantom sand, plus a couple of points where the mesh land forms don’t quite marry up. However, these don’t really detract from the ethereal sitting in the sky.  The ground-level island present a simple setting, carrying with it a reminder of winter. Deer wander the dunes and a windmill turns in the wind. This is a place where people are free to sit and relax. However, there is one more place to visit in the region for those so-minded.

A small skybox environment offers a small backstreet setting, surrounded by the glowing lights of a city. There’s not actually a lot to see here – but it does offer a curious contrast to the other settings – and if auto-return were set to 10 or 15 minutes, it could be a handy backdrop for photographers.

Green Story; Inara Pey, April 2018, on FlickrGreen Story

Green Story is a little different to the places we usually visit, but it is nevertheless photogenic and makes for an interesting exploration.

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Decisions and memories in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Wintergeist – Decisions

Now open at the Artists In Residence gallery in the InterstellART, curated by Asmita Duranjaya, is a new exhibition of physical world photography by Fuyuko Amano (Wintergeist). Entitled Entscheidungen (decisions), it is dedicated to her father, who recently passed away, and so forms something of a personal exhibition of art.

A further dedication to her father sits alongside the landing point for the exhibit, which reads:

One morning you do not wake up. The birds sing as they sang yesterday. Nothing changes this new daily routine. Only you left. You are free now and our tears wish you luck.

Wintergeist – Decisions

Inside the gallery space, a dozen photographs are offered for viewing. They at first appear to be a curious mix: a building, an autumn leaf, a deliberately blurred night scene, an empty corridor, and so on. They seem to be random – and perhaps they are; yet, a considered look at them, taken with their titles (just right-click and edit to view), and perhaps something more is revealed.

When we lose someone, the mind becomes a waterfall of memories and mood, thoughts and feelings. The closer that person was to us, then the more tumultuous the thoughts. We can feel alone, caught between places and feelings – sometimes happy, others sad; places we can go to and remember, places that remind us, unbidden by conscious thought. Our moods become complex, layered; the familiar seems emptier, stranger, and it’s hard  – at first – not to count the passing of time when they are no longer there, doing what we know was part of their life.

Wintergeist – Decisions

This is this cascade of thoughts and feelings that might be reflected in the images offered here: rather than being a study of leaves turning red with the passage of the seasons, Herbst (Autumn)  becomes a reminder of what has now come to an end; Night City personifies the way the once familiar can seem suddenly strange to our eyes after the loss of a loved one; Here and There captures that sense of being capture between moods and memories; while In the City of Ghosts, Allein (Alone) and Don’t lose Your Way, speak powerfully and clearly without the need for translation here.

This is – as I noted – something of a personal display of photography, both in the way it is dedicated to the passing of a family member, and because of the manner in which Wintergeist appears to be opening her heart and feelings to use, allowing us a glimpse inside. Artistically speaking, it is also a visually captivating set of images; each beautifully framed and cleanly presented without the distraction of framing.

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Art at the Rose Gallery in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
The Rose Gallery: Shadow (MyShadowSelf)

The Rose Gallery, located at Kaya Angel’s stunning Angel Manor has re-opened its doors with an ensemble exhibition, focused on art and photography by Shadow (MyShadowSelf) and Melodiyaa (aka Aphrodite Pandemos), a display of Fabergé eggs, and which includes a selection of images from curator Shakti Sugafield (Shakti Adored).  The art is displayed over two floors of the Manor, which has a total of seven rooms forming the Rose Gallery.

Melodiyaa is both a writer and a photographer. She has written for a number magazines in the Netherlands, and had always regarded photography as a hobby. However, when writing one article, she found she was without an assigned photographer – so she took along her camera and submitted her own photos with the article. As a result, she found herself in demand as both a writer and a photographer.

The Rose Gallery: Melodiyaa

For the exhibition at the Rose, located in Gallery 1, on the ground floor, six photographs Melodiyaa took whilst in Venice are presented to visitors. It’s a superb selection, mixing familiar sites: a view across the canals with St Mark’s Campanile in the background, gondolas moored along the canals, with more unusual – dare I say intimate studies – the décor on a gondola, the shuttered window of a house, the broken adobe of a wall, exposing the brickwork beneath.

In galleries 3 and 4, also on the ground floor and across the lobby area from Gallery 1, Shadow offers a broad selection of her digital art. She notes that she has little formal training in art, her degree being in philosophy, and that she views her art as meditative; a counter-balance to her mental activity, which often ranges to thoughts of the nature of existence and consciousness, from both scientific and spiritual perspectives.

The Rose Gallery: Shadow (MyShadowSelf)

The art on display spans landscapes, mandala-like pieces, chakras, fantasy-like works and more. some appear to have been grouped thematically. They also show a rich mix of materials and approaches: acrylic, pastel and pencil, mixed media, pastels and coloured pencils; all of which offer the visitor an intriguing insight of the artist and her work.

The upper gallery spaces host a historic display of events from Angel Manor’s past and the selected art from Shakti’s personal collection. These bracket the main exhibition hall, in which is the display of some of the most delicate Fabergé eggs I’ve seen in Second Life, with marvellous models by Pandora (Heloise Ghostaltar), Claire-Sophie de Rocoulle (tjay007), Pamela Galli, and Alia Baroque. Camming in on these is highly recommended, as they are exquisite (see the GIF below). They share the hall with a display of miniature bunnies by Eeky Cioc, Leo Maven and Apple Falls, and are preceded by a short history of the painted eggs.

An interesting ensemble exhibition, with a rich mix of art, my one critique is that it might perhaps be easy to miss the displays of work by Shadow and Melodiyaa, simply because the landing point and signage tends to direct arrivals to the upper floors, and with the ground floor galleries set back on either side, they might easily be missed.

An official opening for the gallery is set for 12:00 noon on Sunday, April 1st, featuring the music of Oblee.

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