Category: Reviews

Project Homeless film challenge nets four Second Life finalists

Posted on by Inara Pey

HomelessIn February, and thanks to Jayjay Zifanwe, I carried an article about Project Homeless 2014, a Challenge run by Screen My Shorts Incorporated and the University of Western Australia in partnership with, and sponsored by, the Parramatta City Council.

Film-makers of all ages cultures and ability were invited to submit original creative digital content (conventional film and / or machinima) of between 3 and 10 minutes in length, and based on one of 22 themes on the subject of homelessness. Entrants were asked to nominate two of the themes they would like to film, were then allocated one of their two choices and given 30 days in which to submit a completed film on their allocated theme, either as an individual or team entry. Prizes for the competition amount to $10,000 Aus (L$2.28 Million) cash and prizes, with at least $700 Aus  reserved for Machinima. In addition, stand to have their films exposed on the international stage.

Now Jayjay brings word that no fewer than four Second Life machinima artists are among the finalists in the challenge. They are: Rysan Fall, Tutsy Navarathna, Vilvi Rae and Secret Rage.

Rysan Fall presents Invisible City, a powerful mixed format piece, featuring homeless people discussing their situation, their lives and their history,

Tutsy Navarathna’s Homeless combines footage shot in India and in Second Life to present a film focusing on the growing disparities between the really poor of the world and the very small minority of the very rich. The film also touches on those who have made homelessness a spiritual choice, such as the Sadhu and on ethnic minorities, such as gypsies, who can also find themselves without a permanent home.

Sun Dog by  Vilvi Rae, takes homelessness among young people as its theme, focusing on estimates that around one-quarter of homeless young people in Western countries identify as LGBT, and who cite conflict at home as the main reason for leaving and taking to the streets.

In How Did I Get Here Secret Rage presents a story about the connection between addiction and homelessness, and just how precarious our lives really are.

The award ceremony for the challenge will be held on Friday July 11th, at the Riverside Theatres, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia.

With congratulations and best wishes to all four finalists.

Inside Gemmy’s World

Posted on by Inara Pey
Gemmy's World, La Maison d'Aneli
Gemmy’s World, La Maison d’Aneli

Gemmy’s World is the latest exhibition of fractal artwork by Gem Preiz. Occupying one half of  La Maison d’Aneli at Virtual Holland, curated by Aneli Abeyante, the exhibit opened on June 24th – and my apologies to Gem for not having been able to attend the opening.

The approach taken to the pieces on display is rather unique, the art depicting the imaginary world of a young boy, as Gem explains:

Gemmy is my nephew, a wide-eyed amazed little boy, who spends a good half of his life to dream about the other half.

He is the age where every indistinct shape can become a character with whom he populates his imaginary universe, coloured with the thousand shades of the autumn, because it is the season of sweet chestnuts and fireplaces. As he understands nothing to the adults, everybody looks like animals who get lost in secret meetings and night-patrols, in fights and in wild pursuits.

Gemmy's World
Gemmy’s World, La Maison d’Aneli

It is a world full of movement, jumps, somersaults and contortions for, nothing is more boring than to remain sat quiet doing homework while there are so many adventures to be lived, of huts to be built and of caves to be explored. A world with dangers also, those who haunt his bad dreams, but which won’t make him anything worse than to spoil his breakfast chocolate.

He opens you for a while his picture book, and it doesn’t much matter what you will see there: in any manner, he would tell you his stories without even realizing that you are listening to him.

This back story brings the 30 fractal prints on display vividly to life; these are no abstract pieces, they are wondrous places conjured from the fresh and invigorated mind of a young boy. Here are worlds populated by fantastical creatures rising up together or swirling through high corridors of air. Some appear to be on confrontation with one another, others perhaps more playfully competing with each other, and some simply enjoying their freedom of being.

Gemmey's World
Gemmy’s World, La Maison d’Aneli

Look closely, and what might appear to be one great creature changes to become many, and what at first seems to be a rolling, roiling, alien sea is yet more creatures or boats or both. There is a dynamism here which is given added depth as we see each picture through Gemmy’s young eyes. Follow the pictures around the exhibit space, and a story seems to suggest itself, each image a portrait of one or more of the protagonists within it. Subtle reminders of the exhibition’s roots in childhood imaginings lie scattered across the floor in the form of toys to be encountered as one explores.

Gem states he used a recent UWA competition which posed the question, “what makes us human?” as the inspiration for the piece. While he did not participate in that competition, it did give him pause for thought as to what his answer might have been, had he done so. This led him to consider the power of imaginative expression, which first arises in childhood.

He goes on to explain, “And it is during childhood that this creation power rises with the strongest intensity, as if children’s inner world was already too immense to contain only what they know about the reality. That’s why comic strips speak to them so much: they suggest them unknown, unusual, visual universes, at an age when it is by the glance that they learn most.”

Gemmy's World
Gemmy’s World, La Maison d’Aneli

I freely confess to being a fan of Gem’s work, and have been since first being invited to one of his exhibitions; there is a vibrancy and life to his pictures which I find marvellous. Gemmy’s World is no exception, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

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Going Somewhere

Posted on by Inara Pey

Another Somewhere, Hamoa Island; Inara Pey, June 2014, on FlickrAnother Somewhere, Hamoa Island (Flickr) – click any image for full-size

Another Somewhere is a half homestead region of delight. Created by Azriel Xue, it is another reminder that it doesn’t necessarily require a 15,000 prim land capacity to create something eye-catching and memorable (or even 3,750 for that matter).

Wilderness is the theme here; rugged cliffs, perhaps leading up to mountains tall and cold, stand over a stretch of coastline hugged by blue waters which surround three nearby islands. These can be reached by boat, and are in turn watched over by larger islands further out to sea (off-sim).

Another Somewhere, Hamoa Island; Inara Pey, June 2014, on FlickrAnother Somewhere, Hamoa Island (Flickr)

Footpaths follow the shoreline, winding their way around the base of the cliffs and overlooking the water, before branching to climb steps worn into the rock and then branching again. Little red huts stand over the waters, precariously balanced on wooden piers out-thrust from the sheer rocky faces.

Part of the water passage between coast ansd islands has been dammed, squared-off stone bricks allowing a path to reach the largest of the islands. Here sits a rustic cabin, offering home comforts and fresh water from deep well. An improvised jetty of old railway sleepers offers a place where you can grab a motorboat and make your way to the other islands (although I confess, the rezzer didn’t want to work for me 😦 ).

Another Somewhere, Hamoa Island; Inara Pey, June 2014, on FlickrAnother Somewhere, Hamoa Island (Flickr)

The outermost of the remaining two islands offers a place to sit out with friends under leafy shade, enjoying a cup of coffee or a bowl of what looks to be chowder, both simmering over an open fit pit. A gazebo offers a warm fire and place to sit sheltered from any wind, for those who prefer.

Across a narrow stretch of water, a wooden pergola sits atop a grassy upthrust of rock, a solid pier again offering a place to rez boats, stout wooden steps leading up to the pergola as it sits amidst a small copse on the island. Another well is also to be found on this island, so the water is fresh for those wanting a cup of tea or mug of coffee. Here is another place where friends can meet and relax – although for the adventurous, a zip slide links it to the gazebo’s little island. Just mind the tree at the end of the line! I had a bit of a George of the Jungle moment sliding down…

Another Somewhere, Hamoa Island; Inara Pey, June 2014, on FlickrAnother Somewhere, Hamoa Island (Flickr)

Across the water, you can follow the paths upwards, where there is more to discover: one leads to a look-out point, another gives access to an old mountain shelter, now perhaps serving as a hunting lodge. Follow a follow a third, and it will take you into the foothills and to a high wooden footbridge spanning the gorge between the cliffs and the rocky outcrop sheltering the  cabin.

For SL photographers and those seeking new places in SL to enjoy, Another Somewhere presernts itself as an excellent place to visit. I also have to admit to liking Azriel’s outlook on life, summed up in a quote from Lauren Myracle: I live in my own little world. But its ok, they know me here. I know that feeling ony too well!

Another Somewhere, Hamoa Island; Inara Pey, June 2014, on FlickrAnother Somewhere, Hamoa Island (Flickr)

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Reflections of colour and sound

Posted on by Inara Pey
Reflections
Reflections

Nino Vichan’s latest installation opened on Wednesday June 18th. Located at Influence Art Gallery, which is curated by yvan Slade and MacKena Soothsayer Reflections is a wonderfully immersive piece combining colour and sound in a most hypnotic manner.

The installation is in two parts. The first is a conventional display of images by Nino, presented as vivid paintings, of elements of the second part of the exhibit. These are ranged around the gallery space and are available for sale should any in particular catch the eye.

Reflections
Reflections

The main part of the exhibit lies above, and is reached by right-clicking the golden sphere floating just above the floor of the gallery space, and selecting Teleport.

This takes you to a large sphere in which colour and sound literally flow. Multi-hued columns float gently around; colours ripple underfoot; particles rise, float, shimmer, rotate, fall; stars gleam and light flares and turns. Within and around all this, the air is filled with music with a slightly tonal nature, reflecting and enhancing the movement of light and colour.

ref-18_001
Reflections

The text accompanying the piece informs the visitor:

Light waves possess all colours
Reflections off objects filter these light waves
These reflections are the colours we see.

Sound waves possess frequency, wave shape and amplitude
Sound waves reflect off objects
Reflections of sound are the echoes we hear.

Reflections
Reflections

Within those words lies a veritable cosmos of meaning and interpretation, all suggested by the mix of colour, light and sound which draws the observer in; the soft shine to the changing shades and hues a counterpoint to the tonal elements of sound within the music, yet working with it to lull the mind, encouraging release, leaving one entranced without realising it, floating while seated.

One not to be missed.

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Art in Hats returns

Posted on by Inara Pey
Art in Hats 2014
Art in Hats 2014

Following a successful inaugural event in 2013, Art in Hats returns to Second Life with a new  venue and even more designs and images to see – and more to do!

Art in Hats 2014 is taking place through until the end of July at Boutou. As with the 2013 event, it focuses on hats as both a statement of fashion and art. On display in a open-air, urban-style environment, are around 100 hats and headgear from some eighty designers and artists.

Art in Hats 2014
Art in Hats 2014

Exhibition curators Quan Lavender and Emma Portilo paired the designers with SL photographers, who produced portraits and images of the hats being worn. The result is a stunning display of art and fashion, all of which is available for sale should visitors feel inclined to obtain something to make a splash at the next major event they attend, or if they are looking for fashion-inspired art for a wall of their home. Demos of some of the hats are also available if those who prefer trying-before-buying.

At the centre of the installation is a little gift and freebies area and a selection of classic top hats from The Mad Hattery for sale at L$10 apiece.

Art in Hats 2014
Art in Hats 2014

As well as the main exhibition, Art in Hats will be hosting a fashion show on Saturday June 21st at 14:00 SLT, and there is a special charity auction event being held through until the exhibition closes on July 31st, which features a number of unique hats which are being auctioned-off in support of Feed a Smile. These include the delightful Dark Collection, comprising six items of headwear by Secret Rage, including Symphony, which features piano keys which can be played, and Life of the Party, which turns on and off when touched. Visitors just need to touch the little red top hat next to each item to place a bid.

Visitors can also participate in the Art in Hats contest which offers some very impressive prize packages. All visitors have to do is take the Copy / Mod basic bowler hat on offer, decorate it, take a photo of the finished item (aspect ratio 3:2) and send the image to Quan Lavender. All entries received are displayed in a special section of the exhibition, where they can be voted on by other visitors (who account for 50% of the voting, with the competition’s judges providing the other 50%). So that everyone has an opportunity to see and vote on competition entries, they must be sent to Quan no later than July 27th. The three winning entries will be announced during the closing event on July 31st.

Art in Hats 2014
Art in Hats 2014

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Insidious: the Spread of Ideas

Posted on by Inara Pey
TSOI-11_001
Insidious: The Spread of Ideas – LEA18

Frankx Lefavre’s latest installation at LEA18 may have been put together at relatively short notice after the intended artist had presumably dropped out of the current round of the LEA’s Artist In Residence grants, but it is nevertheless a fascinating piece offering a wonderful breadth and depth of interpretation.

Insidious: The Spread of Ideas presents the visitor with a very alien environment. Around you is a strange, faceted green sky, while the ground beyond the very human-looking walled terrace on which you land is a vivid blue-green, suggestive of a sea frozen in time, waves caught mid-swell. Scattered across it are other indications of former civilisation: collapsed walls, a meandering footpath, and a huge, crystalline form carved into the likeness of a human head.

Insidious: The Spread of Ideas - LEA18
Insidious: The Spread of Ideas – LEA18

Across this landscape spreads a strange tangle of organic-looking growths, reaching outwards from the great monolith and curving around the landscape as if to enfold into slowly spreading arms. Nor is this all, as ranged between these tangled arms, stand creatures for whom the term alien is entirely appropriate.

Whether the landscape is that of Earth in the far-flung future, or another world elsewhere in the cosmos in unimportant; all that matters is that it had once been the home to humans. For a time it had been theirs, but that time has long passed. Whether civilisation here had faltered and failed or moved to other stars and other planets, makes no difference. All that remains are their ideas; stored for the ages to come within a great monolith, carved in their likeness, awaiting others…

Insidious: The Spread of Ideas - LEA18
Insidious: The Spread of Ideas – LEA18

And others have come. So much like us in their curiosity to explore the cosmos around them, yet so unalike in look and form. Perhaps they sought to study the strange monolith; or perhaps it was simply the passage of time and the weakening of age. Whatever the reason, the human ideas have escaped their confines, and now they spread across this otherworldly landscape, growing, spreading like tangled vines. They call to those who have come, drawing them to the monolith; infecting their thoughts, reshaping their ideals and goals, supplanting them. Like a contagion, human ideas will survive; they are insidious.

Is the crystalline head, in which the ideas can be seen shifting, writhing, turning, growing, through the magic of ribbon particles, a honey trap? Did it lure these creatures to it and encourage them to build their stairways up to it and breach its walls to give the ideas within freedom? Or is their presence purely happenstance, the spread of ideas as organic forms already having begun long before their arrival? You decide.

Insidious: The Spread of Ideas - LEA18
Insidious: The Spread of Ideas – LEA18

That ideas can seem like an infection invading us, is not so strange; when struck by an idea, we can react in an excited almost feverish manner.  Thus this installation has something of a resonance for us on a purely natural level. But there is also a lot more here as well; the hint of racial immortality, that in the distant future humankind might outlive its own extinction by infecting other races with its thoughts, ideas, desires, emotions. This brings with it shades of the age-old debate on whether or not humans are planetary parasites, adding a whole new twist to such ideas.

Beyond offering multiple interpretations (which tend to grow the longer you explore – just like the ideas within the build are intended to be growing), this piece is fascinating for its use of mesh  – Frankx tells me some 90% of the installation is mesh – to create a very organic look to the environment and the aliens themselves. Ribbon particle effects are also put to good use here as well, as mentioned above, so it is worthwhile taking a little time in explorations to discover them; those not wishing to walk can ride on buglike buggies. Do keep an eye out for the fish as well…

An absorbing installation which will be open through until the end of July as a part of the current round of LEA grants.

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