Category: Reviews

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor is the latest immersive installation by Frankx Lefavre. Like all of his work, it is deep in imagery and symbolism, but it is also and in difference to his previous works, a very personal piece.

“Serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the primary drug used to treat anxiety, depression and panic attacks. Last December, I was given a LEA grant for 2016. By January, I was suffering major attacks of anxiety and panic leading to depression. This is the resultant build,” Frankx says candidly of the piece.

The result is a piece that is deeply immersive installation making extensive use of projected lights and colours (so you’ll need to have ALM enabled in your viewer). In entering it, you are literally entering the artist’s mind, and witnessing first hand the tumult and confusion of a mind in turmoil and at odds with itself. Light, colour and sculptures all conveying the sweep of emotions: the helpless sense of falling; the demons of the subconscious  looming over all thoughts and feelings, and the desire for calm and emotional stability, which is perhaps symbolised by the image of Buddha located on one side of the installation.

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Such is the evocative richness within the piece, it really is one to be experienced, rather than witnessed in words and still images. For those who have experienced Frankx’s situation, there is perhaps catharsis and a demonstration that there is healing and release. for those fortunate to nave never trod this path, there is the opportunity for insight into what it is like, something one would hope foster greater understanding in our response to those suffering from anxiety, fear and panic.

Given it is a visual piece, I’m not going to say too much more about it here, other than to strongly urge people to hop over the LEA 23 and see it first hand. instead, I’ll leave you with a video in the hope that it will encourage you to do so. This is a truly extraordinary piece of art.

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Landing at New Caelestium in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

New Caelestium; Inara Pey, April 2016, on Flickr New Caelestium – click any image for full size

Reader Evelyn Held recently sent me a note card about New Caelestium, “a realistic medieval lifestyle sim with a touch of fantasy”, which celebrated its re-opening on Saturday, April 23rd. I’d actually written about the original Caelstivm (Caelestium) back in March 2014, but had lost rack of it in the intervening years;  so intrigued by Evelyn’s note, I hopped over to take a look.

The location of the original Caelestium was, so far as I can remember, unspecified; not so with the new build, which is described as, “a Celtic Isle with Scottish roots, a realistic medieval lifestyle sim with a touch of fantasy”, and I have to say that, as with the original, it is something of an eclectic mix of elements.

New Caelestium; Inara Pey, April 2016, on Flickr New Caelestium

Those arriving at the region receive a back story note card, together with the rules of the region and some additional notes on this being a “lifestyle” role-play environment – meaning that visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and adopt a fitting behaviour and language for a medieval period setting, although as the region encompasses fantasy elements, “dragons, elves, faes, gnomes and other fantasy fellows” are also welcome.

New Caelestium can be broadly divided into four areas: the medieval town and docks, which takes up the largest portion of the region, the jousting area, transported here from the original Caelestium, a coastal area with period manor house, and the fantasy area, dominated by a gigantic tree of life, and over which hovers a set of floating islands.

New Caelestium; Inara Pey, April 2016, on Flickr New Caelestium

The town and docks are mindful of the original Caelestium, although the quays are a lot busier, several of Lia Woodget’s unmistakable ships being tied-up alongside. The town forms an L-shape, and is dominated by a great castle sitting atop a rocky crag in its corner. Beneath this, a long street points the way to the docks in one direction, whilst the other arm of the L holds the market square and shops, beyond which lies the jousting lists.

The fantasy / fae area of the region lies separated from the town by narrow ribbons of water crossed here and there by bridges and rutted cart tracks. Here can be found paths to wander, and fae homes to rent (human houses can be rented in the town), while waterfalls tumble from narrow shoulders of rock, and the aforementioned enormous tree of life rises into the sky. It is on the south side of the region, and under lee of these rocky shoulders and the shadow of the great tree, that the coastal area can be found, trees surrounding a ribbon of beach and hiding the manor house from prying eyes.

New Caelestium; Inara Pey, April 2016, on Flickr New Caelestium

Photogenically, the region has a lot to offer, as I hope at least some of the images here demonstrate. There is also a lot to see when exploring, however, I’m not entirely sure how well it all works.

As I noted in my review of the original Caelestium, that region was also very much a place of two halves – medieval and fantasy – but the overall landscaping was such that the two elements naturally blended together as a single, contiguous landscape through which visitors and players could ebb and flow. That sense of continuity feels a little lost within New Caelestium; rather than existing as parts of a whole, the medieval and fantasy aspects of the region came across to me as vying with one another for space and attention.

New Caelestium; Inara Pey, April 2016, on Flickr New Caelestium

Nevertheless, if you are interested in fantasy or medieval role-play, or are looking for a medieval environment ripe for photographs, Caelestium is certainly more than worth a visit.

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The serenity of Peacehaven in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

Peacehaven; Inara Pey, April 2016, on Flickr Peacehaven – click any image for full size

Update, September 9th: Purr has moved Peacehaven to a new quarter region location.

Update, June 23rd: as Purr indicates in her comment, Peacehaven remains open, so the region is there still for you to enjoy, and again, if you have not paid a visit, I encourage you to do so!

I was drawn to Peacehaven after seeing it highlighted in the Destination Guide – only to find that its future is far from certain: a noticeboard close to the landing point carries the news that the region will be closing on May 2nd. This is something of a shame, as the region is another slice of rugged beauty in second Life, which lends itself to photography whilst offering a place to enjoy with a friend.

The landing point, located on the west side of the region presents two tracks for visitors to follow, one to the north, the other to the south. Both paths lead directly to little stone bridges – Alex Bader’s popular design – which arch over gently flowing streams – before offering the visitor a choice of ways forward.

Peacehaven; Inara Pey, April 2016, on Flickr Peacehaven

The northward track branches left and right once over its bridge, a tall mesa – one of two here –  blocking the way forward. Whichever branch of the path is chosen, both eventually lead the way around the mesa to a little farm huddled behind it on the north side of the region. However, the left branch of the path offers perhaps the shorter route, whilst the  right branch offers the way through copses and past a glade set for dancing.

The southward path offers a slightly different choice once over its bridge, as it turns eastwards along the bank of one of the meandering streams, while also providing access to a wooden stairway which climbs the flank of another mesa by way of a smaller butte, taking visitors to a high vantage point overlooking the rest of the landscape and again offering a place to dance.

Peacehaven; Inara Pey, April 2016, on Flickr Peacehaven

Follow the path, meanwhile, and it will take you to a wooded area and what seems like the end of the road. Wander between the trees, however, and you’ll likely come across a little glade with seats and a camp fire. beyond this, a woodland path offer a way through the trees and around the north side of a small lake, or you can continue southwards and across a greensward between the lake and a small quay, and make your way eastwards.

To the east of the region, and separated from the rest by water spanned by bridges both natural and built by human hands, lay a little country church and, just off the coast, an ancient ruin sitting atop a craggy island. Should you visit the church (and no doubt you will!), the path taking you to it will also lead you onwards to the farm, reached by passing under a heavy arch of rock linking the two mesas.

Peacehaven; Inara Pey, April 2016, on Flickr Peacehaven

Whichever route you opt to take in exploring Peacehaven, you will find plenty of opportunities for photographs, or to sit and relax or enjoy a dance if you’re so minded. While I’ve no idea how absolute the closure of the region is, considerations at the donation points across the region might give encouragement for it to remain a little longer.

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Red – Girls – Hot – Fruit in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Art on Roofs: RED - GIRLS - HOT - FRUIT
Art on Roofs: RED – GIRLS – HOT – FRUIT

RED – GIRLS – HOT – FRUIT is the latest exhibition to open at the Art on Roofs gallery curated by Terrygold. It presents a series of distinctive watercolours by LeMelonRouge (better known in the physical world as Spanish artist Francesc Palomas), balanced between images of females (mostly nude) and images of fruits, all painted using a palette biased towards red and the warmer colours associated with it.

Red is often associated with passion / the erotic – we so often refer to the “heat of passion” – and several of the nude images reflect this, albeit with a slant towards the erotic, given hand placement. Others are more gentle in both tone and colour, suggesting restfulness; whether this is innocent sleep perhaps the “post-coital glow”, is for the viewer to decide.

Art on Roofs: RED - GIRLS - HOT - FRUIT
Art on Roofs: RED – GIRLS – HOT – FRUIT

There is another emotion we associate with red as well – anger; and this is also visible in some of the images certainly also visible here, through what appears to be a cry of anguish in “Alone 3” (above right) or distress (“Alone 2”, not pictured here).

Whether intentional or not, both of these images – “Alone 3” and “Alone 2”  – seem to also depict acts of violence. Taken as a whole, the pose and red splashes to one side of the head suggest  the moment after a heavy blow has been struck. Similarly, the red marks across the subject’s back in “Alone 2” might be taken as welts of received blows.

Art on Roofs: RED - GIRLS - HOT - FRUIT
Art on Roofs: RED – GIRLS – HOT – FRUIT

Contrasting with the dynamic imagery of the nudes, the painting of the fruits  – while in places suggestive of passion and heat (cherries and chilli peppers) – come across as havens of freshness and health (pumpkin and tomatoes), forming a soft contrast to the human figures whilst also offering a subtle reflection of the emotions displayed within them.

When taken as a whole, RED – GIRLS – HOT – FRUIT is a complex series of images in which more may be going on both within the images themselves and in their placement in pairs, requiring considered evaluation. The exhibit will remain open through until May 8th.

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The Drax Files 37: non-profits in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Joyce Bettencourt (aka Rhiannon Chatnoir in SL), the Nonprofit Common Community Manager talks Nonprofit Commons with other members of her community
Joyce Bettencourt (aka Rhiannon Chatnoir in SL), the Nonprofit Commons Community Manager discusses the role of the community, together with other involved with it through their own organisations

The Drax Files World Makers show #37 arrived on Thursday, April 21st, perhaps somewhat overshadowed by Fantasy Faire opening its gates. Once again, this is one of the shorter World Makers videos, running to just one second under 3.5 minutes.

The subject this time around is an overview of Nonprofit Commons, designed to lower the barriers of access to Second Life, to create a community of practice for non-profits to explore and learn about the virtual world, and to investigate the many ways in which non-profits might utilise virtual spaces. As such, this is something of a departure from recent World Makers segments. Rather than following a single narrative, it presents a series of sound bites for those responsible for  the various organisations, groups and communities which for Nonprofit Commons, allowing them to provide a concise overview of who they are and what they do.

While this may sound like little more than a simple infomercial for Nonprofit Commons, don’t be fooled. While the pace may be rapid, the comments delivered at a staccato rate, we are nevertheless drawn into more fully appreciating the many diverse social, ecological, sexual and personal areas encompassed by the work of non-profit organisations, large and small, within Second Life, and the critical role they place in bringing people together positively.

Such is the clarity of presentation within this piece by those involved, there is really very little to add to it directly, particularly as Drax has  so eloquently summarises things:

Over 60 international non-profit organizations with causes ranging from environmental awareness to LGBTQ activism, AIDS education and Parkinson’s support, groups that fight to end homelessness or promote emotional healing with the help of horses, are gathered in the virtual world of Second Life to do everything from training to fundraising.

For over 10 years this global community has been successfully showcasing the powerful force of SL to facilitate social good: at NPC in SL office space is given away free, agency over identity through avatars is a powerful facilitator and ideas for outreach and networking can easily be implemented in the digital realm before committing to them in physical reality.

Which leaves me with but one thing to say: watch the video, and if you want to find out more, visit the Nonprofit Commons website.

Gravity is a Mistake in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Gravity is a Mistake
Gravity is a Mistake – I get some unusal headgear and accessories, Caitlyn discovers gravity, if not a mistake, might be a myth …

Now open for all to enjoy is the latest installation by Eupalinos Ugajin, Gravity is a Mistake. As one can always expect from Eupa, this is an involved, interactive and above all, fun installation to which additional elements will be added over time.

It’s also a piece that is experience-led, so on arrival, you’ll be asked to join something called – in difference to the title of the installation – “Le Cactus”. Respodning with Yes grants you seamless interaction with the piece, and is a necessary part of Gravity is a Mistake. As with all experiences, remember that the permissions granted on joining will be automatically revoked when you leave the Gravity is a Mistake region, so there is no worry about what might happen elsewhere.

Gravity is a Mistake
Gravity is a Mistake – the starting point

Once you have accepted the experience, you’ll notice a couple of HUDs have attached to your screen on the right. The upper one will detach (if necessary), the other will teleport you back to the start of the ravine you’ll be delivered to on stepping through the doorway of the landing point.

This ravine cuts through a strange island. Objects are littered along and over the ravine (and scattered about the island), leading to a circular opening in the middle of the island. The key here is interaction; as you make your way down the ravine, be prepared to touch objects (and have some touch you!). Exactly what happens on touching an object is open to question. But remember, this is Eupa, so tongue is firmly in cheek, and a sense of humour will carry you forward. You may find yourself in receipt of a gift, doing a mad little dance, or unexpectedly wearing something, being transported to another part of the island, offered web page to look at …

Gravity is a Mistake
Gravity is a Mistake – The shape of things to come?

At the far end of the ravine sits a rather unique dragon. He’s determined to guard the circular opening, once a swimming pool, but now a public library. Getting past him may take some figuring out, but look for the door that comes with scales 🙂 .

The library is designed to be the second part of the build, which Eupa hopes will see those invited to join the project to add builds, sounds, and interactive elements of their own which can be enjoyed by visitors who manage to get past the dragon. As it is, entry will see you into a “gravity free” zone, offering me opportunities for fun!

Gravity is a Mistake
Gravity is a Mistake – the library awaits

In introducing the piece, Eupa notes the inspiration came from The Centrifuge Brain Project, an equally tongue-in-cheek mockumentary, well worth watching. And after playing in Gravity is a Mistake and watching the video, you’re still in the mood for silliness, hop up to Le Cactus bar, Maya Paris’ celebrated creation from times past, and which Eupa invited her to recreate here. You can reach it via the teleport at the top of the island, and read about it here.

All told – fun and silliness, and worth having local sounds on for as well!

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  • Gravity is a Mistake (Rated: Moderate)