Category: Reviews

Picture of Oh in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Picture of Oh

Picture of Oh, which opened on Thursday, July 27th, 2017 at a skyborne gallery space at Serena Imagine Art Centre, is a celebration of Bryn Oh and her art, as seen through the eyes of photographer aldiladeisogni. On display are nine very large format images featuring Bryn and / or elements of her installations.

Small in number, large in size, presented in an environment which somewhat echoes aspects of some of Bryn’s past installations, this is an exhibition that plays both easy on the eye and subtle on the mind. Those familiar with Bryn’s immersive installation will doubtless recognise from which pieces the images have been drawn – but seeing them remembered in this exhibition is only part of the experience.

Picture of Oh

Bryn herself is highly photogenic; there is a wonderful air of beauty and mystery about her. She is at once approachable in nature, yet her appearance sets her almost physically apart, making any approach in a first meeting a possibly unsettling experience: just how does one address so exotic a creation? This dichotomy – the apparent exotic aloofness mirrored by an open, approachable nature – is beautifully captured in the individual studies of Bryn presented herein.

Bryn’s exotic looks also make her an idea model to sit within the images of her installations, where she appears very much both the observer of the scenes and a part of them. Her presence doesn’t in any way detract from the stories involved in the pieces; rather, she adds a new layer of narrative to each the story; her character fits with the scenes so perfectly.

Picture of Oh

Of course, capturing this depth of individual takes skill from behind the lens of the snapshot floater, and in this aldiladeisogni demonstrates a mastery of composition that is to be greatly admired. Not only does he capture the essence of Bryn’s work and the mystique of her avatar – he also captures something of the personality and thoughts behind her.

In 00 bryn 02, for example, it is almost impossible to see Bryn crouched alongside her work without catching a hint of the thoughts that may have been running through her mind as she did so, her artist’s eye re-examining a piece committed to the world’s view. Compare this with its companion, 00 bryn 01, and what is striking is that whilst shot from the same angle using the same setting and pose, we are drawn into Bryn’s beauty, only to be caught once again by her eyes, and the sense of the mind behind them. And so it is with all the pieces on display: each is captivating, layered and almost tactile in composition and presentation.

Pictures of Oh

All told, a beautiful, captivating exhibition focusing on a captivating and enchanting artist and her work, presented by a master of the photographic medium.

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Following an Oriental Bliss in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

Follow Your Bliss, Sea Foam; Inara Pey, July 2017, on Flickr Follow Your Bliss – click any image for full size

June 2017 marked just over a year since Caitlyn and I last visited Follow Your Bliss, the homestead region designed by ElizabethNantes. Given this, we felt it was high time we made a return. Back then, the region had the distinct feel of a tropical archipelago, and we were keen to see what changes had been wrought in the intervening months.

For the current build, Elizabeth has adopted the Display Name Sushi – and on arrival it is immediately obvious why this should be: the region is now distinctly Japanese in looks. However, while many region designers opt to focus on a period build when turning to Japan – notably settling on the Edo period – Elizabeth offers something different: a mix of the old and the contemporary, gathered around a watery setting.

Follow Your Bliss, Sea Foam; Inara Pey, July 2017, on Flickr Follow Your Bliss

Set beneath an early evening sky, Follow Your Bliss presents a mainly low-lying series of islets surrounding a shallow body of water on which sampans float and waves are rippled by a gentle breeze. To the east, the land rises into a more substantial mass, formed by rocky shoulders and gently rolling slopes. Along this ribbon of land sits a row of little shops, some with traditional slope tile roofs, others box-like structures of concrete and wood, flat-topped and decorated with neon signage and adverts for popular brands.

A cobble footpath separates these shops from the waters of the shallows, running from a point just a short walk from the landing point to where an ancient  – and clearly venerated  – olive tree grows. At the southern end of this path, the route back to the landing point, located in a small summer-house also overlooking the shallow waters, is marked by a series of candle lanterns. Some of these manage to remain lit despite being caught in a gentle fall of rain, sitting close to a marching line of Torii gates which climb a hill, pointing the way to a pagoda and to where Buddha sits on a grassy curve of hill-top.

Follow Your Bliss, Sea Foam; Inara Pey, July 2017, on Flickr Follow Your Bliss

Looking towards the west, Buddha stares out over the waters of the region and the loose-knit chain of little islands which run northwards from the landing point towards a dense grove of bamboo. Connected by wooden bridges, these little islets  offer places to sit and relax and perhaps join Buddha in quiet meditation as he looks down on you.

At the bamboo grove, which screens the main part of the region from was might be private residence, the path passes a temple bell and arcs more eastwards in its direction, passing a strong pavilion built out over the water. Beyond this, another little house straddles the water separating the western aspect of the region from the ancient olive tree and the little township beyond it.

Follow Your Bliss, Sea Foam; Inara Pey, July 2017, on Flickr Follow Your Bliss

With the ground a particular course grain of cinder earth, the chain-like beads of land surrounding the inland water as they run from the southern edge of the rockier ground and out to the west before turning back inwards to come back to the northern end of the land’s long finger, the entire impression is that this the site of an ancient crater – perhaps even the small caldera of a long extinct and flooded volcano, the land all that remains of the crater rim.

Finished with a gentle ambient sound scape of falling rain and birdsong, the splashing of water and the burring of dragonfly wings, Follow Your Bliss offers a relaxing setting, easy to explore and enjoy  – and even the chance to sail a sampan. An altogether delightful little visit.

Follow Your Bliss, Sea Foam; Inara Pey, July 2017, on Flickr Follow Your Bliss

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Art of the Artists: machinima challenge with L$350,000 prize pool

Posted on by Inara Pey
Poster by Eliza Wierwright

At the start of July I was able to break the news that the University of Western Australia would be retaining a presence in Second Life for at least two more years. As a part of that report, I made mention of an upcoming UWA machinima challenge. It has now been officially announced.

Art of the Artists – subtitled SLartist@UWA Machinima Challenge is not a resumption of the UWA Machinima Grand Challenges, the last of which took place in 2015 with Pursue Impossible. Rather, this is a special challenge, sponsored by LaPiscean Liberty of SLArtist and Singh Albatros and The Writers Centre, Singapore. On offer is a combined prize pool of L$350,000, including two special prizes.

Competition

The aim of the challenge is to produce a machinima film focused on any of the art exhibits located on the UWA regions in Second Life.

Entrants may choose individual pieces of art or a collection around which to weave a story. However, the art must be a relatively significant part of the story, and not merely something glimpsed in passing.

Films entered for consideration of any of the prizes can be no longer than 8 minutes duration; films with longer running times than 8 minutes may be submitted for showing, but will not be eligible for any of the prizes.

The Prizes

  • 1st Prize: L$75,000
  • 2nd Prize: L$50,000
  • 3rd Prize: L$40,000
  • 4th Prize: L$30,000
  • 5th Prize: L$20,000
  • 6th – 10th Prizes – L$7,000 each

In Addition, there are two special prizes:

  • L$50,000 UWA Art of the Artists Special Prize: this will be awarded by Jayjay Zifanwe on behalf of the University of Western Australia
  • L$50,000 The Merlion Special Prize: this will be awarded by Singh Albatros on behalf of The Writer’s Centre, Singapore to the film which – in the view of the judge –  best represents the The Merlion,  the national personification of Singapore (see below for more).

The 10 main prize winners will be selected by a selected panel of judges. Details of the full panel will be available on the UWA website soon.  Each of the special prize winners will be judged independently to the judging panel, and as such, may be eligible for a prize in the general classification as well.

The full Merlion installation at Monash University

Where to Find the Art

Art which can be used in films submitted to the Challenge can be found in the following locations:

  • The UWA Main Gallery – the primary exhibition space for art at UWA, including entrants to the most recent challenge, Transformations, which is expected to remain up at least through the end of this year.
  • The UWA Main region – this is the home of the iconic Winthrop Hall clock tower, Somerville outdoor cinema, the Moreton Bay Figs, and Sunken Garden. Some of the art from the UWA regions which will be closing will be relocated to platforms above this region. The relocation work is expected to be completed by the end of July 2017.
  • The Merlion – celebrating Singapore’s iconic Merlion sculpture, the full-sized version is hosted by the Monash University in Second Life. The smaller version at te UWA offers information on Merlion Portal Project concerning cultural, literary and artistic significance of the Merlion. It also provides a landmark to the full size installation.

Note that selected art for a film may be filmed in its current location. however, films do not need to be restricted to these locations, as long as the art is the focus of the story being told. Entrants may contact artists about filming their works in other locations and / or collaborating with them on a film. Should you require a blue screen for part of your filming of the art, please contact FreeWee Ling or Jayjay Zifanwe.

How To Enter and Guidelines

  • The challenge is open to all machinima makers, unless involved in the judging process.
  • Films entered in consideration of any of the prizes should not exceed 8 minutes in length.
  • Films with running times longer than 8 minutes may be entered, but will not be eligible for any prizes.
  • Completed films should be uploaded, preferably YouTube or Vimeo, and a link to the film sent to  Jayjay Zifanwe and LaPiscean Liberty.
  • The closing date for submissions is December 31st 2017
  • Please acknowledge all art featured in your film, and please acknowledge and get authorisation for any music you use.
  • You own all rights to the films you create, but by entering the challenge you give permission for it to be shown on the UWA Blog, the Slartist Website and to be played on UWA lands.
  • The ten winners of the general prizes will be adjudicated by a panel of 5 judges. The special prize winners will be selected by Jayjay Zifanwe (UWA Special Prize) and Singh Albatros (The Writer’s Centre prize).
  • If you have questions, want to discuss anything, or add to the prize pool,  please contact Jayjay Zifanwe.

Creatures of Light in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
MetaLES: Creatures of Light

Creatures of Light is an exhibition of images by Harbor (Harbor Galaxy) which opened at MetaLES, curated by Ux Hax and Romy Nayar, on July 8th.

“For those of you who are familiar with my work through Flickr or shows here in-world. Creatures of Light may be something of a departure from my usual style,” Harbor says in introducing her work. “My objective was to use an avatar devoid of ornamentation and to only utilize poses, light and colour to create these pieces and to give myself permission to play and to step outside my comfort zone.”

MetaLES: Creatures of Light

I cannot speak to Harbor’s work on Flickr – no link is provided, and Flickr’s search doesn’t appear to recognise her as “Habor Galaxy”, making a targeted search difficult. However, what I can say is that in the nineteen images presented at MetaLES, Harbor has produced some quite extraordinary art, which in places encompasses abstract expressionism and in others seemingly touches on fractal patterning, whilst in all of them is a study of the human (or in this case, avatar) form.

In this latter regard, and considering the lack of facial features, some of the images are quite exquisite in their portrayal of mood and emotion, easily matching more traditional portraiture. Take Contemplating the Standards Beauty, for example; there is a wonderfully layered narrative to the image – the heads of the subject may only be wire frame, but they carry with them the sense of expressions, while the body language of figure contemplating them – the artist? – speaks clearly of her or his contemplation of the images.  Further along, The Body wonderfully presents action, the swirls of colour, sweeps of lines all suggestive of motion and the power of sinew and muscle, tendon and ligament.

MetaLES: Creatures of Light

All told, an intriguing exhibition, currently on display alongside Ini’s (in Inaka) Melancholy and Romy Nayar’s Empty Minds.

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Not Only … But Also in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Solo Arte – Not Only … But Also

Opening on Wednesday, July 19th, 2017 at 1:00pm SLT is a new exhibition at Solo Arte entitled Not Only … But Also. It features the art and images of Boudicca Amat and myself.

Receiving an invitation to display my images always comes as a mixture of thrill and nervousness. Thrill, because I don’t regard myself as any kind of Second Life photographic artist – my images are primarily concerned with illustrating the posts I write about the places I visit. Nervousness, simply because my work, as illustrative, tends to be a little “plain Jane” when compared with the true masters of the SL landscape.

Solo Arte – Not Only … But Also

I mention this not out of modesty, but because I’ve previously written about exhibitions at Solo Arte, and the idea of filling the space there with only my work actually filled me with a feeling akin to panic. Hence the suggestion to Solo Arte’s curators, Terrygold and Melania, that a second person is invited to share the available space. And to me, this second person could only be Boudicca Amat.

Boudicca’s work is, in a word, exquisite. Beautifully composed and executed, the artistry encompasses not only the image itself, but the vision and creativity poured into the entire process of producing such richly evocative moments in time, including, often, are care pouring over poses and sets. As such, I’m genuinely delighted to be sharing the Solo Arte space with her. Her avatar studies also – I hope – form a counterpoint focus for my landscape images.

Solo Arte – Not Only … But Also

As Solo Arte is a mixed indoor / outdoor venue, offering pleasant walks along a canal, a little bar and outdoor events area, Bou and I have split the space up between us in with the aim of making a visit more of a mix for people. On the landing point side of the art space, my own images can be found outside around the garden area, while further along the canal, Bou has a display inside one of the two exhibition halls. Across the canal bridge, the positions are reversed: I’ve used the second of the exhibition halls, and more of Bou’s would can be found in the courtyard behind the hall, which opens off of the events courtyard. We’ve add exhibition posters  to help point the way to the different locations.

When visiting, do note that Solo Arte is presenting two exhibitions: not Only … But Also, and Riflessi Sul Nero (which you can read about here). As such, you may be directed to Riflessi Sul Nero when teleporting. If this is the case, please use the teleport disc alongside the landing point to reach the main Solo Arte exhibition area to find us.

Solo Arte – Not Only … But Also

Not Only … But Also officially opens, as noted, at 1:00pm SLT on Wednesday, July 19th, featuring music by DJ Faby and DJ Melania.

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Welcome to Somewhere in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

Welcome to Somewhere, Salmson Isle; Inara Pey, July 2017, on Flickr Welcome to Somewhere – click any image for full size

Update: July 28th: Zoe Connolly produced a video of Welcome to Somewhere, which say says was inspired by this blog post. It’s a delight to watch, and I’m embedding it at the end of the post with thanks to her. I’ll hopefully be back to making my own videos at some point in the not too distant future!

It’s a catchy name for a place: Welcome to Somewhere, the Full region designed by DarkDesire (Stefan Salmson) and Petra Teatime (Petra Hienke) – and it is certainly appropriate. This is an enigmatic location; on the one hand strange and new, on the other, containing just enough familiarity about it to suggest is it somewhere you may have been to or seen before. Caught in an eternal twilight which adds to the general atmosphere when exploring (although I admittedly opted for daytime pictures in the hope of showing a slightly different face to the region), Welcome to Somewhere is a place of charm and mystery, where hints of dark secrets lay without ever their true nature being overtly revealed.

If you follow the given SLurl, your visit will start on the north side of the land, marked by houses, cottages, a house boat and a warehouse place of work. Everything is a little run-down, suggesting this is a place that’s seen better days – there’s even the sad hulk of a sunken trawler partially blocking access to the quayside for other vessels.

Welcome to Somewhere, Salmson Isle; Inara Pey, July 2017, on Flickr Welcome to Somewhere

Find your way ashore, and a dirt track points west from the back of the wooden warehouse-come-store / place of work, directing you along the coastline before turning south and delivering you to what remains of a fun fair. Overgrown, the rides broken and decaying, the fair has the edge real edge to it: the clown’s fang-filled smile at the gate not entirely a promise of jollity within. A Ferris wheel, long broken and rusted, stands sentinel over two foot bridges. One faces east, towards some old stone ruins where sits a little tram-car converted for use as a tea shop, its innocence standing in contrast to the darker hints of the fun fair. Deeper within the ruins is forgotten outdoor stage, resuming the air of foreboding about this place.

The second, smaller foot bridge leads to two imposing houses facing one another across paved and ordered gardens, complete with an orangery housing a harpsichord, a little outside café alongside it. Sitting between low shoulders of rock, these distinguished houses and their gardens give a sense of money and order, their status perhaps once the dominant feature in this landscape.

Welcome to Somewhere, Salmson Isle; Inara Pey, July 2017, on Flickr Welcome to Somewhere

Another track winds its way east from here, skirting the edge of the large lake occupying a far portion of the land before passing a slightly dilapidated  farmhouse and over another foot bridge to where tall Scotts pines grow, the path gently undulating between them. At the end of this path sit more buildings, exuding an air of menace  – something greatly increased by the puppet theatre parked at the water’s edge. There is something disturbing about this; it appears neither friendly nor welcoming – one could almost imagine the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang waiting to usher unsuspecting souls inside, before dropping the bars across the entrance and trapping them.

It is this air of menace – or at least the feeling this place has a darker side to it – which adds greatly to the overall feel to the region when exploring it under the low light of dusk. It sharply contrasts with the beautifully picturesque nature of the landscape (best appreciated in daylight). The latter presents calm waters, shaded walks, gentle hill climbs to follies and a little hilltop function room (perhaps once the scene of happy Sunday afternoon dances), but as one travels, so the delight the the landscape become tinged with that frisson of discomfort, the urge to look over your shoulder when walking the path to the odd little puppet theatre.

Welcome to Somewhere, Salmson Isle; Inara Pey, July 2017, on Flickr Welcome to Somewhere

Just where is everyone? Some of the region feels as find it has been run-down a left to decay for a long time – notably the fun fair. Other parts feel as if they’ve recently fallen on hard times. But so too is there a feeling that the locals have only fled, leaving only the wildlife – and the dolls. These are to be found scattered around, indoors and out. do they mean anything? That’s for you to decide. And what of the strangeness of the little hamlet where explorations of the region begin? Why is it that it has a roadside auto shop where no road has seemingly ever run?

Whether you seek to answer these questions, and any other which might occur to you as you explore Welcome to Somewhere is entirely down to you. One thing is undeniable about this place, however. It is an enigmatic delight to visit, offering numerous opportunities for photography and lots of room for meandering discovery of all it has to offer.

Welcome to Somewhere, Salmson Isle; Inara Pey, July 2017, on Flickr Welcome to Somewhere

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