Kondor Art Garden, November 2023: Lalie Sorbet – Carousels
Currently mid-way through its November / December 2023 run at the Kondor Art Garden, a part of the Kondor Art Centre operated and curated by Hermes Kondor, is Carousels, a collection of animated art pieces by photographer-artist Lalie Sorbet.
The exhibition comprises some 20 animated mobiles, each one richly organic in form, and all of them floating serenely along the gravel paths circling the gardens. Each piece is formed from two elements, each bearing an image which has been set to rotate gently, one element moving clockwise and the other counter-clockwise.
Some have their parts rotating more-or-less at the same speed, others have their parts rotating at different speeds to one another; thus the sense of life and vitality is deftly imbued. But no liner notes from the artist are provided, so how we might interpret them is a matter between the eyes and the imagination of the beholder. Might they be exotic plants caught on a cushion of air? Otherworldly life-forms drifting through the gardens on an examination of their own? Objects from the sea-s depths brought forth upon the land? Something else? That is entirely for you to decide as you visit.
Kondor Art Garden, November 2023: Lalie Sorbet – Carousels
What is evident within all of the pieces is the manner in which each of them appears both tactile and delicate. On the one hand, they seem to dare us to reach out and feel the touch of what might be a veined leaf or a ripple of hair-like fibres or a gossamer-thin sphere of silk as it slides across finger tips. On the other, there is a countering sense as to what just the lightest of caresses might do to these exquisite forms of light and colour were we to try and touch them; would they respond open and positively responsive to our fingertips, or might they recoil, contract and deny us further revelations as to their form and nature?
I also found myself wondering as to their creation; were they the result of a digital freestyle approach by the artist, or might they be a continuation of her explorations in using AI software to create their component forms prior to being brought together by eye and script to gain life? This is perhaps not important in the overall scheme of things – Carousel stands “as is” as an engaging and visual collection of pieces – but having recently witnessed Lalie’s work with AI tools (see: Art, AI and Totems in Second Life), I cannot help but wonder if if Carousels is a further aspect of her use of AI as a means to extend her natural artistry.
Kondor Art Garden, November 2023: Lalie Sorbet – Carousels
Vital, rich in colour, subtle in form – and perhaps carrying a hint of the hypnotic through the motion mere still images cannot convey – Carousels is a relaxing and engaging exhibition of animated art, with pieces available for purchase by those who would like to have a piece at home – floating in the garden, perhaps, as a peregrine visitor to their own garden.
Blue Finch Frosty Hollow, November 2023 – click any image for full size
A full region leveraging the private region Land Capacity bonus, Blue Finch Frosty Hollow is a gorgeous winter-themed design by Grant Wade (GMi7) and Dianna Wade (DiaMi7) which has a lot within it to appreciate, do and photograph. Bringing together a number of what are now “traditional” staples of Second Life winter settings alongside of some touches perhaps more common within fantasy settings, this is a region which simply works for the eye and imagination.
The first of those SL traditional elements can be found at the landing point, taking the form of the DRD Arctic Express waiting at the local station. With its dining car dressed for a festive meal, it offers a cosy retreat from the outset, with one the passenger cars laid out as a lounge with sofa, Christmas decorations and both a brick-built fireplace with fire in the hearth and a wood burning stove!
Blue Finch Frosty Hollow, November 2023
Alongside the train, the local station presents a little café and pizza house for those seeking something to warm their insides, with a little gift wrapping shop rounding off the platform’s parade of shops. The café and pizza house might well be welcome, because the train is unlikely to be going anywhere soon (unless it is backwards), given the local reindeer appear to be engaged in a game of staring it down whilst occupying the lightly drifted snow lying across the tracks before it!
The landing point provides a summary of activities awaiting discovery within the region – a horse riding tour, ice skating, snowboarding and sledding. It also indicates that there will be a special Christmas Party within the setting at some point. The date and time were both TBA on my visit, so visitors might want to keep an eye out for that or join the local group via the sign at the LP to receive updates and notifications.
Blue Finch Frosty Hollow, November 2023
The horse tour can be found just south of the station and past the reindeer facing off against the train, where a sign board and horse sit close by the local (and again SL winter traditional) Hive Christmas Tree Farm. Sitting on the horse and clicking it will start the tour, which will proceed gently around the region along trails and paths, revealing places and locations to which visitors will doubtless wish to make a return. Lasting some 6 minutes, the ride will reveal the upland areas of the region as well, the route even allowing a for glimpse of Santa relaxing with a little skiing before the season gets really busy for him!
Skating can be found at the frozen lake occupying the southern central area of the region, with pre-choreographed single and couple skating pose balls awaiting people’s enjoyment. Those who prefer more freestyle skating and have skates in the inventories could doubtless slip them on and take to the ice as well.
Blue Finch Frosty Hollow, November 2023
Should the skating not warm the cockles of your soul, there are numerous little spots around the edge of the lake where warm food and drink can be had – roasted chestnuts, doughnuts and coffee, hot chocolate loaded with whipped cream… There are also various places where folk can just sit and watch the skaters go by; however, if the nippiness is still too much, then there is always the lakeside conservatory, where cosy armchairs await, espresso, hot chocolate and cakes are on hand – and most importantly, a roaring log fire keeps the air warm.
The uplands to the region lie mostly to the north and west and make very good use of space. On its northern side, high cliffs separate the region from its off-region surround, but in a manner which allows both region and off-region land elements to flow together to form a whole. These cliffs have a ribbon plateau running along their tops, reached via a snowy slope rising from the lowlands and presenting both an easy climb and a downhill run for sledding and snowboarding.
Blue Finch Frosty Hollow, November 2023
At the top of the slope, the plateau broadens to sit as the home of the fantasy-leaning element of the setting, providing as it does space for the Compulsion Elven House (a building I’ve oft been tempted by, but have managed – thus far – to resist purchasing!). Whilst intended more for fantasy / Middle-Earth themed settings, the house works very well here, forming a large retreat for people to enjoy, complete with a welcoming festive meal, music from a piano and places to sit.
To the south of the house is a second curtain of cliffs, reached via an elven style bridge topping a rocky arch. Dropping in a series of step-like levels as it runs close to the western edge of the region, this plateau is somewhat more rugged than its partner to the north, but offers its own points of interest, such as the tall towers clinging to the rocky bluffs as they rise from the lands below to be topped by stone-built pavilions (the excellent Trompe Loeil Amelie Pavilion I’ve frequently used myself) from where views across the entire region might be enjoyed.
Blue Finch Frosty Hollow, November 2023
Two other upland areas within the setting also await visitors. The first sits at the eastern end of the sledding / snowboarding slope, where a long finger of rock stretches forth as if to poke the lake below. At its northern end there stands a tall clock tower keeping SLT, a fenced path running south from it before switch-backing as it overlooks the lake, to descend down to the trails below.
The last highland area takes the form of a blocky mesa to the south-west, separated from the rest and reached by its own path. Water tumbles from its rocky flanks to feed an unfrozen pond which in turn feeds a fast-flowing stream as it runs down to the lake. Ruins sit on the top of this mesa, forming what appears to be an event space.
Blue Finch Frosty Hollow, November 2023
There is yet more to see within Blue Finch Frosty Hollow as the snow falls gently across it, but I’ve said enough here; this is a setting best appreciated first-hand and sans my gibbering. All I will add in closing is that do be sure to use the shared environment when you drop in to see for yourself, and have local sounds active. Otherwise – enjoy!
Melusina Parkin: Secret Shores, Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, November 2023
This will be the second of two recent art reviews in these pages presenting a joint coverage of art exhibitions running through November / December 2023, although unlike my last (see: Artistic reflections on the human form and intimacy in Second Life), they are not connected by some subjective and potentially nebulous cooked up in side my little noggin; this time they are very much jointed at the hip, because by the same artist and encapsulating the same core theme. Coincidentally, one of these exhibitions is also taking place at Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, curated by Dido Haas, which was also the location for one of the two exhibitions reported on in the above-linked review.
The artist in question is Melusina Parkin, and the exhibitions are Silent Shores and Silent Landscapes, with the former presented within the main hall at Nitroglobus, and the latter within Melu’s own gallery space. In terms of total number of images, the larger of the two is Silent Landscapes, offering a total of 48 images, whilst Silent Shores presents 16 pieces in what might be called a subset of some of those found at Meulsina’s Place, but offered in a much large format, allowing us to be drawn more deeply into them.
Melusina Parkin: Silent Landscapes, Melusina’s Place, November 2023
Given they are connected, I’m going to cover both exhibitions as if they were a single whole; however, were I pushed pushed to give a suggestion as to the order in which they should be viewed, I would recommend visiting Silent Landscapes first. It is here that the complete collection can be seen together with Melu’s own thoughts on how the collection came into being. Silent Shores, with its use of large format images, then allows for that deeper sense of engagement mentioned above.
I’ve oft commented on Melu’s work in these pages, particularly noting her use of tight focus and angles within her photographs to concentrate the eye and mind on a specific item or element within an image, thereby limiting our frame of reference whilst simultaneously opening the image up in a manner which springboards the imagination into framing its own narrative around the piece, rather than restricting us to interpreting the story the artist wished to convey. It’s a technique I much admire, inviting as it generally does the mind to take free flight.
Melusina Parkin: Secret Shores, Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, November 2023
Here, Melu does much the same in terms of allow her audience to view each piece and formulate a narrative around it, if they so wish. However, in terms of style, she uses a reverse approach, pulling the camera back, as it were, from her more usual tight focus and closed angles to offer us – quite literally- broad horizons into which landscapes and costal settings flow and fade. Thus, we are presented with images with the suggestion of the infinite – and yet which are intimate and personal thanks to her use of soft tones, horizon haze and a deep sense of depth present within piece.
This sense of intimacy-without-open-spaces wraps within it a subtle yet deep sense of solitude enhanced by the fact that nary an image offers so much as a bird is the sky or creature on the ground. Even the man-made objects apparent in some of the pieces come across as natural elements within each setting, rather than something interjected into it.
Melusina Parkin: Silent Landscapes, Melusina’s Place, November 2023
The result of this is that each piece draws us into it in a very personal way; these are not images of places unknown, this are places reflective of mood and feeling; they exude a silence we all, at times, desire or have felt; times when Nature allows us to be true to ourselves in thought, and where we can accept the feelings we might otherwise repress – or at least lose in the daily hubbub of life. In this, silence can be a deep and calming friend.
Given this, these are also images that carry something personal to Melusina, as she notes in her introduction to Silent Landscapes whilst also noting the power of silence itself:
Silence isn’t only a matter of hearing; it can be depicted by an image. Lonely landscapes, fuzzy or faint images suggest [a] lack of noises or voices. Silence is absence; absence is peaceful, but can also be sad. I shot and collected dozens of images of solitary landscapes that show silences; their slight sadness and their relaxing mood match the inspiration of many of the thousands [of] photos I took in many years of SL Photography. So, I consider these pictures as a summary of the deepest feelings I wanted to express in my work.
– Melusina Parkin, Silent Landscapes
Melusina Parkin: Secret Shores, Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, November 2023Which, at the end of the day, is really what needed to be said. Evocative, personal – to those viewing them and to the artist, albeit in a myriad of different ways as they speak to each of us – Silent Landscapes and Silent Shores form an engaging and slime collection of SL photographic art which can speak to all who witness them.
The Hamptons, November 2023 – click any image for full size
Inspired by Northern East Coast or Western European landscapes, with plenty of hide aways to cuddle and relax from the crowd and the noise.
So reads the introduction to Haye Aya’s Homestead Region of The Hamptons, which I recently had the chance to hop over and see, courtesy of the Destination Guide.
For those unfamiliar with the name, “The Hamptons” tends to refer to that part of the eastern end of Long Island, centred on the towns of Southampton and East Hampton. It is regarded as one of the historical summer colonies of the north-eastern United States, and the region has a long history, although it is perhaps most known for its patronage by the wealthy and politically-connected. For example, both sides of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis‘ family resided there, her parents were married in East Hampton, and she was born at Southampton Hospital (although admittedly, this was more by accident; her parents happened to be visiting family in East Hampton from New York at the time of her birth).
The Hamptons, November 2023
However, whilst the may well be little corners of their namesake which caught Haye’s eye, it is important to note that, as per the About Land description, her actual inspiration for the region’s design is much broader; so much so that anyone living along the north-east coast of north-eastern North America or in north-western Europe is going to feel a sense of familiarity about the setting. Certainly, there are no rolling beaches or sandy vistas, nor are there any great houses standing proud over the landscape; instead, The Hamptons offers a natural, somewhat rugged setting with the primary aim of offering people places whether they can spend time as individuals, couples or in small groups, and simply relax.
This it does by minimising the use of buildings within the region, instead focus on walks and trails leading to all the various public spots visitors might discover. Those buildings which are present here primarily form a strange little parade at the landing point, a cobbled area which appears to have become home to an assortment of bric-a-brac down the years, with a old piano, filing cabinets and desk on nodding terms with nearby balloons, an old water channel buoy, plastic chairs and – curiously – a table set for a rather enticing dinner.
The Hamptons, November 2023
A short walk to the north from here will bring visitors to a tall bridge spanning one of the watery gorges which collectively split the setting into an archipelago of high-sides islands. A boardwalk runs along a part of the cliff top by the bridge, providing access to stairs running down to the water’s edge and one of the many cuddle-points: a rowing boat pulled up into the shallows. Another such sitting spot longs out over the sea a little further away from the bridge. Meanwhile, an equally short walk to the south from the landing point will bring visitors to a thicket of hedges cast across the path, together with the yellow stripes of ban-lines marking this end of the island as off-limits to those not invited.
No such restrictions per se lie on the far side of the bridge, where the next island is topped by an old mind tunnel cuts into its heart. Two paths flank the sides of the hill, one leading to what may have once been an outbuilding related to whatever was being hewn out of the mine’s large central chamber, with a further board walk beyond it allowing visitors to reach another space in which to hang out.
The Hamptons, November 2023
The other path around the hill ends at a large trestle extending out over the gorge below, and is the reason for my qualifying this island being free from restrictions to travel. It supports a small greenhouse-come-potting shed, but this and the deck on which it sits are not intended to be reached via the path; instead the way to them is from Haye’s private house / workspace, thus they appear to be an extension to it and not a public space.
The third of the islands in the group offers a largely open, flat top bordered here and there by boardwalks running along its edges. Swings and sofas offer places to sit and pass the time, whilst the southern portion of the island features a little tiered garden and further hangouts, all of it with a lean towards an Oriental touch, something continued on the final and smallest of the islands. This takes the form of a small Japanese style house sitting within a modest, semi-wild garden. Simply furnished, it sits within its own parcel, so not sure if it is intended for a specific use – it does not appear to be restricted in terms of access.
The Hamptons, November 2023
All of which makes for an easy-going visit and opportunities to relax and / or take photos. There are one or two small edges to the place that might be smoothed out, and the use of ban lines rather than a more subtle request for privacy might upset some, but on the whole, a pleasant visit for an afternoon or evening.
Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, November 2023: Dido Haas – Restricted
For this article, I’m taking a look at two exhibitions which opened at Second Life in November 2023. They are both entirely independent to one another (and indeed, very different in form and style), but share some common themes which – to me at least – make them somewhat suited to joint coverage. Perhaps the most obvious connection between the two is that as they feature nudity, they should be considered NSFW; some of the other links are drawn entirely from my own perceptions and probably do not coincide to any great degree with those of the artists. Ego, take what you read here with a measure of circumspection – and do visit the exhibitions to gather your own thought on them.
The first exhibition is entitles – sort-of appropriately – Restricted, likely in recognition of the nudity it presents. It can be found in The Annex at Dido Haas’ Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, and comprises a selection of some of Dido’s monochrome / black-and-white work. These take the form of simple but elegant studies of Dido’s avatar, generally nude, in minimalist settings / scenes.
Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, November 2023: Dido Haas – Restricted
Of the collection, Dido states there is “no story, just more of me”; but while no story per se might be had within Restricted as a whole, the individual pieces very much do offer glimpses of vignettes we might freely interpret, if so minded, whilst collectively and within their composition, framing and presentation, they most certain do offer a narrative of artistic measure in their celebration of the female form.
The use of framing is perhaps most delightfully apparent in What’s Up? and In The Corner, both of which utilise the physical framing of the picture in which to tell their individual stories. In terms of technical composition, the use of light and shadow, the more mechanical aspects of photography – such as the Rule of Thirds – can be found combined through the eye of a genuine arts to produce a piece simply dripping with stories waiting to be told (Curtain). Alongside of it, the My Shadow images offer their own lessons in composition and narrative framing, whilst Shy is so exquisitely expressive, it captivates from the moment first seen.
Monocle Man, November 2023: Troy King – Hotel
Meanwhile at Monocle Man Galleries, curated by Lynx Luga (lynx Iuga) and Kit Boyd (and available through until November 19th inclusive) is Hotel. A noted photographer of the human form male and female, Troy’s art covers portraiture, nude studies and erotica, and he is rightly admired for his life-like studies, which have been featured across multiple Flickr groups as banner images, the subject of exhibitions and the focus of multiple SL publications.
As indicated by its sub-title, Hotel is from the wellspring of erotic images Tory has produced – and is thus potentially the more NSFW of the two exhibitions herein. It features a series of intimate / sexual black and white chiaroscuro images, best described by the exhibition’s introduction:
This collection is, in a sense, a return to Troy’s roots in erotica. Using a single room, he images various guests, single or otherwise, and the behaviours in which they indulge once the doors are locked and the lights are out.
Offering a third-person view of these “behaviours”, each piece casts the observer into the role which combines a sense of presence within the activities taking place – perhaps as a participant taking a moment to watch, or as voyeur observing events with (or without?) the knowledge of those actively participating, or perhaps as the person behind the lens, capturing these moments of deep intimacy.
Monocle Man, November 2023: Troy King – Hotel
Which of these roles you opt to take – if any – is a matter of personal choice. What is not in question, however, is the depth of personal and shared intimacy evident throughout; together with the richness of presentation and style. In the latter regard, the use of chiaroscuro is genuinely exquisite, and does much to enhance what are already intense and personal studies, lifting them to the heights of erotica art. Each piece has its own narrative, shared and personal, and each is perfectly framed and processed.
So, what is the connection I see between these two exhibitions? Simply this: both are rich in their celebrations of individual freedoms of expression, be they in terms of how we see ourselves or in how we express intimacy, love and desire between one another regardless of gender, colour, etc., either individually or jointly. This is reason enough to appreciate both Hotel and Restricted; but add to that the fact that there are those zealously determined to deny such freedoms in order to force conformity to their own narrow strictures of society, and both exhibition might also be seen as offering a very subtle reminder of what be lost to many if we allow such zealotry to succeed.
Nom Nom Café Library, November 2023 – click any image for full size
So, Halloween has now passed, and we’re in the end-of-year headlong rush into winter, snow, sledding and suchlike, pausing briefly along the way at US Thanksgiving before we resume the annual end-of-year surge of wintertime activities. Because this time of year can feel like a whirlwind of Things To Do And To See, it is sometimes good to find the time to take a little breather and decompress – and that’s exactly what the Nom Nom Café Library allows us to do.
Occupying an 8192 square metres parcel towards the western end of Corsica, this is a place which literally stands head-and-shoulders above its surroundings, sitting as it does atop a flat-topped mesa rising some 90 metres above the nearby sea floor. The creation of Spooky Treat, Nom Nom Café Library is a cosy, autumnal (at the time of my visit – not sure if it get redressed with the passing seasons) setting some may recognise from the official Linden Lab June 2023 video demonstrating the upcoming SL Mobile viewer (as shown during the SL20B celebrations).
Nom Nom Café Library, November 2023
Between lush green trees, grass, and an abundance of flowers the Nom Nom Cafe Library awaits you. Relax inside with some delicious cake, a book, cats, or cuddle up at one of the various spots surrounding the Cafe. Bring your friends and loved ones over for a night at the campfire or simply enjoy some alone time. A refuge for not only the LGBTQIA+ community but also all allies, created with love. ♥
– Spooky Treat describing Nom Nom Café Library
Given its perch, the best way to reach the café is via SLurl / LM to the landing point, which will drop you onto the path leading up to the café itself. This takes the form of the Nicolina Pavilion by Cory Edo, which Spooky and modded a little to provide a comfortable main café space to the front, the walls to either side carrying a multitude of books which allow the café to more than adequately live up to the “library” part of its name.
Nom Nom Café Library, November 2023
A little service area towards the rear of the pavilion separates front from back, the latter providing something of a fireside snug overlooking the grounds behind the café. This view is also shared by a balcony area directly over the snug and reached via a little staircase to one side of the service counter. Within both the snug and on the balcony above, more books await avid readers as they sip their coffee or nibble on some of the treats also available.
Flanking the café to west and east, both close enough to be within easy reach but far enough to offer their own circles of restfulness, sit two outdoors spaces. One, reached via the cobble surrounding the café’s fountain, presents a little storytelling / reading circle around a warm fire pit, marshmallows ready for roasting. A chalkboard to one side offers the opportunity for a little self-expression; just click on one of the pieces of coloured chalk and start drawing (and click between the colours to change them or click the eraser to wipe the board), and the place is friendly enough to have encouraged a couple of local crabs to forward the waterfront down below the café’s mesa and scale the rocky heights to enjoy a little fireside dance!
Nom Nom Café Library, November 2023
To the west, and reached by passing through a little arch arcing between two short walls, is a place of promised mystery: a circle of standing stones, some with hollows cut through them so small torch-like fires might be lit. A table in the middle offers a chance for repast – or it would, barring the fact turkeys and squirrels appear to be availing themselves of the meal; better then, perhaps to retire to the hammock on one side of the circle and partake of the cookies on offer there!
A further path leads outwards from this circle to reach another little round pavilion. It’s roof fitted with glass to ward off any rain that happens by, it encompasses wicker chairs and a sofa, all with plump cushions, being one of a number of additional places awaiting discovery among the trees and grasses covering the mesa’s head. So of these are easy to find, others might actually be easy to miss – so do take time to look around (and up!) carefully during a visit. For those who enjoy a friendly table-top game, the open space between the camp fire circle and the café (complete with its little celebration of Moles) might be just the ticket.
Nom Nom Café Library, November 2023
Finished with an accompanying soundscape and rich in the company of pets and critters, the Nom Nom Café Library makes for an engaging and relaxing visit!
