Category: Reviews

An Umbral summer in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

Umbral Photography, Hydra Isles; Inara Pey, July 2015, on FlickrUmbral Photography, July 2015 (Flickr)

December 2014 saw me make an initial visit to Umbral Photography and Umbral, designed and curated by vlady and Coqueta Veeper on their homestead region of Hydra Isles. In that piece, I noted that the region can go through seasonal changes, and at the time of writing back then, the northern hemisphere was in deepest winter, and the region was similarly in the grip of deep snow, and the waters had a decidedly chilly look to them.

Now, half a year later, the snows have thawed, the skies are blue, and the flowers are all in bloom.  Summer has come to the region, and with it have come a few changes to the landscape.

Umbral Photography, Hydra Isles; Inara Pey, July 2015, on FlickrUmbral Photography, July 2015 (Flickr)

Umbral Photography still occupies the southern half of the region, a place devoted to photography (indoors and out), with open rezzing for visitors (please make sure you clean up behind you!).

A stone henge has been added to the landscape since my last visit, standing on a small island a short walk from the landing point. A copse facing cross the main footpath is also, I think, a more recent addition. However, Cory Edo’s delightful summer-house still sits over the water, the little tea party area is still available, and the house offering indoor photo opportunities still stands in the south-west corner, while the tall grass still lines the horizon, marking more distant islets to be explored.

Umbral Photography, Hydra Isles; Inara Pey, July 2015, on FlickrUmbral Photography, July 2015 (Flickr)

The divide between Umbral Photography and Umbral runs through the henge, but the north side of the island is as open to the public as the south, and as photogenic. There have been some changes here as well; perhaps most noticeably the arrival of a Ferris wheel on the north-east headland, and which has perhaps seen better days.

The principal difference between the north and south parcels of the region, as I noted in my original review, is that the former is home to a club given over to erotica and D/s activities. Visitors are welcome, as long as they follow the guidelines supplied upon arrival, and activities are confined to within the building. However, if this is not to your taste, you might want to focus on exploring the rest of the region.

Umbral Photography, Hydra Isles; Inara Pey, July 2015, on FlickrUmbral Photography, July 2015 (Flickr)

We’re in the middle of a heat wave here in the UK right now, with temperatures exceeding those of the Mediterranean in some places. Given this, walking through the waters of Hydra Isles had me thinking that the day VR truly arrives will be the day when, while it may be scorching outside, the simple act of stepping into a suitable virtual environment and wading through ankle-deep clear waters can immediately have one cooling down nicely!

I guess that until that does happen, I can take comfort in the fact that this is England, and as such summer will likely be over by Sunday. In the meantime, I’ll keep paddling my feet in the waters of in-world locations like this in the hope of feel just that little bit cooler!

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Different Districts in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Distrito Disinto, MetaLES
Distrito Disinto, MetaLES

The last time I visited MetaLES, the art region run by Romy Nayar and Ux Hax, it was to visit Romy’s brilliant Sparkys, which I wrote about here.

Since then, I’ve not really had a chance to drop in and see what’s going on, so when both Honour and Ziki poked me about a new celebratory installation there that had just opened (and which will remain open until August 13th, 2015) as a celebration of MetaLES and its support group, ..O.., I knew I’d had to pop along and take a look.

Distrito Disinto, MetaLES - Cica Ghost's
Distrito Disinto, MetaLES: Cica Ghost – Lullaby

Distrito Disinto – or Different Districts, if you prefer, presents a concept that’s simple enough: the visitor is taken on a journey through a series of rooms, or “districts”, as if travelling through, or with, a festival. Within each room, an artist has established a setting inspired by a song, and in which the song and art are presented together. Simple in concept maybe, but beautifully intricate and delightfully imaginative in execution.

On arrival, visitors “purchase” a ticket (they’re actually free) from the box office. This delivers a teleport HUD (just grant it permission to act on your avatar when worn), and some introductory notes. Then all that’s required is to ensure local sounds enabled, as the audio isn’t streamed, but played in-world, and the region’s windlight is being used. Then it’s a case of clicking on one of the musical notes in the HUD under each of the artists’ names. For the sake of convenience, I took the destinations in their numerical order.

Distrito Disinto, MetaLES: Bryn Oh's
Distrito Disinto, MetaLES: Bryn Oh – Keep the Streets Empty for Me

The artists who have actively contributed to the installation are Betty Tureaud (musical piece: She’s a Rainbow by the Rolling Stones); Giovanna Cerise (Innuendo by Queen); JadeYu Fhang (What Your Soul Sings by Massive Attack); Maya Paris (Oh, Bondage! Up Yours! by X-Ray Spex); Cica Ghost (Lullaby by The Cure); Rebeca Bashly (Chop Suey by System of a Down);  Bryn Oh (Keep the Streets Empty for Me by Fever Ray); Romy Nayar (Nuit d’hiver (Chloé) by Mylène Farmer); Alpha Auer (Grid Factory by Alpha Auer); and Eupalinos Ugajin (Rockingchair by Estudio, Trabajo Y Fusil!).

Selavy Oh is also listed as a contributing artist, but there is no corresponding teleport option in the HUD. I assume this is because Selavy was unable to participate and the introductory note card was not updated.

Distrito Disinto, MetaLES - Maya Paris: Oh Bondage! Up Yours!
Distrito Disinto, MetaLES: Maya Paris – Oh Bondage! Up Yours!

To describe each of the pieces offered would be to negate the point of seeing them yourself. Suffice it to say that each offers an interesting interpretation on the subject matter of the chosen song, which ranges from the thought-provoking through to the light-hearted and witty, to some hints of pathos through to outright irreverence in the most wonderful of ways (who else could mix Oh Bondage, Up Yours!, Diana Rigg’s Mrs Emma Peel, Eartha Kitt’s Catwoman and flying saucers so brilliantly, than Maya Paris 🙂 ).

However, and while I enjoyed all the pieces on offer through the installation, and really don’t want to appear as if I’m singling any out over the others (not the least because those who collaborated represent some of my favourite artists), I have to say I was particularly drawn to Alpha Auer’s Grid Factory. There is a nuanced beauty to this piece that’s suggestive of many things, and return visits have drawn me back to it perhaps just a little more than some of the other pieces here. Be sure to pick-up your Grid Factory avatar from Alpha when you visit.

Distrito Disinto, MetaLES: Alpha Auer - Grid Factory
Distrito Disinto, MetaLES: Alpha Auer – Grid Factory

I also confess to enjoying Bryn’s interpretation of Keep the Streets Empty for Me, which offers an interactive piece that’s best shared  – thank you to Gem, Kate and Tutsy in joining me for a little house building – or is that house clearing?

Distrito Disinto is open through until August 13th – so go, enjoy!

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A new Windlight arrives in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Bryn Oh is profiles by Emma Portilo in the inaugural July 2015 issue of Windlight
Bryn Oh is profiled by Emma Portilo in the inaugural July 2015 issue of Windlight

On June 25th, I wrote about a new magazine for the arts in Second Life that would be launching in July 2015. Well, here we are at the start of July, and the inaugural issue is now available!

Called Windlight, the magazine has been founded by John (Johannes1977 Resident), with Nikki Mathieson, owner of Avi Choice Productions, the magazine’s co-publisher. At 136 pages, the initial issue of the magazine covers a lot of territory, with interviews with Bryn Oh, Skip Staheli and Sasun Steinbeck, a piece on the Raglan shire Artwalk and a whole lot more.

Windlight Issue 1 cover
Windlight Issue 1 cover

As I mentioned in my original article, the folk behind the magazine are motivated and high-powered. Since that piece was written, blogger and photographer Kara Trapdoor has also joined the team, in which I’m also honoured to play a small role.

The feature article on Bryn Oh is a must-read. In it, this fabulous artist who has done so much to enrich Second Life as well as bridge the physical  / digital divide, is wonderfully profiled by Emma Portilo.

It is Emma who also interviews Skip Staheli, again providing insight into this talented photographer’s Second Life and work.  John provides readers with interviews with Sasun, Nikki and, um, yours truly. I was flattered to be asked to talk about my work in blogging the art scene in Second Life, and further flattered by the use of my own photos within the piece. John also takes the helm for the article on the Raglan Shire Artwalk (something I sadly missed this year, due to having too many commitments throughout May).

Shakti Adored is someone I’ve long admired, and I’m looking forward to reading her Curator’s Corner pieces each month. Shakti currently curates some of the leading galleries in SL, including the phenomenal Rose Gallery at Kaya Angel’s magnificent Angel Manor. She also has an interest in quantum physics, which tends to tweak the armchair scientist in me 🙂 .

Skip Staheli is interviewed by Emma Portilo
Skip Staheli is interviewed by Emma Portilo

This is undoubtedly a great inaugural issue for Windlight, and I’m looking forward to writing for the magazine from the August issue onwards. In the meantime, in-world kiosks for the magazine are available in many outlets across Second Life, and you’ll be able to pick up a copy from the Windlight Magazine Gallery which will be opening soon, offering space to artists under the Windlight Fellowship Programme.

For those who prefer, the magazine can be followed via the Windlight Magazine website, while the first issue is ready to be read from cover to cover at calameo.com – Windlight Magazine.

Congratulations to John and the team on this first issue publication, and here’s to many more!

The HuMaNoiD side of Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
HuMaNoiD - LEA 6
HuMaNoiD – LEA 6

Making a welcome return to Second Life – for a limited period of time, at least – is Wendy Xeno’s HuMaNoiD, which can now be seen at LEA 6, having last been available on the grid a little over a year ago.

I first encountered HuMaNoiD far back in 2012, on the recommendation of Chestnut Rau. At the time, it was a fascinating, contemplative visit, and throughout several return visits over the years, I continued to find it an evocative place; I’m pleased to say this it still is.

HuMaNoiD - LEA 6
HuMaNoiD – LEA 6

For those who have visited HuMaNoiD in the past, all of the familiar elements are there: the ground level watery landscape, the cello awaiting a player as J.S. Bach’s Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1: Prelude can be heard. Around this stand five doorways inviting visitors to open each in turn and step through, and explore the realms in the sky on the other side of each one.

Beyond these, water breaks the landscape into a series of vignettes the visitor is invited to explore. Again, for those who have been to HuMaNoiD in the past, there will be a pleasant feeling of familiarity and comfort to most of them, although one or two nuanced changes have been made from the original, the result of working within the dome needed to give the installation a feeling of an infinite open space;. However, it’s fair to say the changes enhance the region’s aesthetic; I particularly like the bridge suspended beneath balloons (seen at the top of this piece).

HuMaNoiD - LEA 6
HuMaNoiD – LEA 6

The sky spaces are in places similarly reworked, but all present environments rich in context and colour, and once again offer places of contemplation and introspection.  With the sky a little darker than previously, but the elements of poetry still to be found and read, a visit to HuMaNoiD offers much to all, whether you recall the original or make this opportunity a first visit.

One definitely not to be missed, I understand HuMaNoiD will remain at LEA 6 until the end of July.

HuMaNoiD - LEA 6
HuMaNoiD – LEA 6

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Remembering Roche

Posted on by Inara Pey

Roche; Inara Pey, June 2015, on FlickrRoche, June 2015

I caught word from Ziki Questi that a timeless favourite would be vanishing from Second Life.

Few who travel this digital world can fail to have visited the island of Roche at least once in their travels. I first visited in 2012, and while I’ve never written in-depth about it since, I’ve been back many, many times over the intervening years.

Roche; Inara Pey, June 2015, on FlickrRoche, June 2015

The creation of ddsm2 Mathy, with the assistance of friends, the region has remained largely unchanged since my original visit three years ago – a fact that has always added to its charm; in a place where so much can change so rapidly, Roche has always stood as a constant in a fluid world; a place where once can go and instantly feel at home, be it wandering the paths, climbing the hills or sitting in one of the wooden cafés.

I hopped over to the region on Sunday, June 28th and a final opportunity to see Roche (as I write this, the build has now gone, although the region remains for the present) with the intent to grab a last few photos and also record some film footage (I’m still kicking myself around the office for not getting Goatswood recorded prior to its closure).

Roche; Inara Pey, June 2015, on FlickrRoche, June 2015

While there I bumped into Ziki, who was still grabbing snaps herself whilst there with Kinn. Also on hand was Kara Trapdoor and a number of other bloggers – all keen to capture final memories.  The presence of all of these people, together with everyone else visiting the region as I was filming and who have visited since the news broke that Roche will be closing, stands witness to how much it will be missed.

Thank you, ddsm2 Mathy, for your creative vision with Roche, and allowing us to share in it for so long.

 

Windlight: a new magazine for art in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

WindlightWindlight is the the title of a new arts magazine for Second Life which will be launching in July 2015.

Founded by John (Johannes1977 Resident), himself a SL photographer and also RFL of SL activist, Windlight brings together a talented team to cover art in all its forms in SL with monthly news, reviews, articles, interviews, commentary and more.

A joint venture with AviChoice Productions, organisers of the the Avi Choice Awards and publishers of Avi Choice Magazine, Windlight’s goal is to cover the Second Life art scene and to support  artists, photographers, galleries, and art-related events. The first issue will feature artist Bryn Oh, and photographer Skip Staheli alongside Sasun Steinbeck, Nikki Mathieson and more.

When I call the team behind the magazine talented, I’m not exaggerating. Joining John, who is the magazine’s co-publisher and editor as well is its founder, are: Nikki Mathieson, owner of Avi Choice Productions and Windlight’s co-publisher, Jessi2009 Warrhol, the magazine’s Marketing Manager, together with contributing writers Emma Portilo and Shakti Adored.

Windlight brings together a talented team: John (Johannes1977 Resident), Founder, Publisher & Editor In Chief; Nikki Mathieson, Co-Publisher & Owner of Avi Choice Productions; Jessii2009 Warrhol, Marketing; Emma Portilo, Featured Contributor and Shakti Adored, Featured Contributor
Windlight brings together a talented team: John (Johannes1977 Resident), Founder, Publisher & Editor In Chief; Nikki Mathieson, Co-Publisher & Owner of Avi Choice Productions; Jessii2009 Warrhol, Marketing; Emma Portilo, Featured Contributor and Shakti Adored, Featured Contributor

The Windlight Magazine Art Gallery Fellowship Programme

As a part of the magazine’s desire to help promote and support artists and photographers, Windlight is launching the Windlight Magazine Art Gallery Fellowship Programme. this offers those accepted into it with gallery space free of charge for a period of 30 days.

Applications are now being taken for the first round of awards, so if you are interested, do make sure to check the application guidelines and complete the application form.

The Windlight Gallery will provide free space to artists under the Windlight Fellowship Programme
The Windlight Gallery will provide free space to artists under the Windlight Fellowship Programme

Commenting on the magazine as we discussed the upcoming first edition, John said, “In establishing Windlight, we hope to provide a means by which the rich, incredible diversity of art within Second Life can be more broadly enjoyed and appreciated, by both Second Life users and, hopefully, an audience beyond the platform as well.”

As someone who genuinely appreciates art within Second Life, that’s a vision I can fully support, and I am both honoured proud to say that I’ll be joining Windlight from August 2015 as a contributing writer. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity; joining the team will not only allow me to extend my friendship with John and Jessi, both of whom I’ve come to know by way of Relay for Life; but will also further increase my own understanding of, and appreciation for, art in general.

So – keep your eyes out for Windlight this July!