Tag: Art 2020

Currently open – for a while longer at least, given it commenced at the end of October 2019! – at La Galerie D’angle, curated by Mary Zimmer, is an exhibition by JanitaEduarda Arado.

I confess that I’m not aware of being that familiar with JanitaEduarda’s work, but will say that this exhibition is a superb introduction. Comprising some 40 images, the pieces presented in it cover landscape, avatar and self-studies that are diverse and eye-catching. Throughout all of them as a rich understanding of colour, tone, depth of field / focus and – as is always important for me – narrative.

The latter are particularly strong in the self-studies spaced throughout the exhibition, where the suggestion of a broader story – or a layering of stories is offered. Take When the Last Sound has Faded, for example. This predominantly monochrome piece has several tales to tell, from a suggestion of a love of music, through the emotional power of music to the tale of a love now past and the loneliness / regret that follows – or, conversely, in the peace and solitude that a release from a relationship brings.

Sometimes the stories are more indirect. Take Stillness of the Mind. Here the idea of piece may initially be suggested through the use of soft focus that rendered the figure in the background as blurred, suggestive of someone lost in thought. However, the same depth of field brings the milk urn on the kitchen table into sharp focus, and with it the idea of liquid at rest, undisturbed, still – and so we have a metaphor for a mind at rest.

Once again, this is a superb exhibition for this gallery, featuring an artist whose pieces invite the imagination to take flight. Not to be missed before it closes.

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• La Galerie D’angle (Jacksonville Island, rated: Moderate)

Operated by Lee1 Olsen, the Lundy Art Gallery is a must-visit destination for all who appreciate Second Life art, offering as it does a broad cross-section of pieces by 2D and 3D artists.

At the time of my visit, the main hall of the gallery presented something of a historic look at Second Life, featuring artists who have joined the platform relatively recently, and those whose names are very much a part of the SL art landscape, helping as they have to establish and build artistic expression within the platform.

Within the hall, and split between the main floor and upper mezzanine, are pieces by Etamae, Eylinea, Gitu Aura, Barbara Borromeo, Rage Darkstone, Kerupa Flow, Mistero Hifeng, Wan Laryukov, JolieElle Parfort), Patrick Moya, Romy, Nayar, Bryn Oh, Vorum Short, Monroe Snook, Theda Tammas, Elle Thorkveld, Talullah Winterwolf, and CioTToLiNa Xue, to name just some of the artists present.

Despite the volume of art on display, the gallery structure is large enough and open enough to make any visit and an appreciation of the art a relaxed, easy affair. There is room to move, and space to see individual pieces or groups of pieces without feeling crowded out by the amount of art on offer.

If I’m understanding the posters at the entrance to the gallery, this ensemble exhibition will run through to mid-January before being replaced by the first to open in 2020, making it an ideal New Year visit. In addition to the main hall, the gallery has two smaller halls, each located in the wings to either side and accessible from both the lower and mezzanine levels. At the time of my end-of-2019 visit, these housed exhibitions by Ilyra Chardin and the inimitable Patrick Moya.

A stunning collection with a breadth and depth not often seen in SL.

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• Lundy Art Gallery (Brussel, rated Moderate)

Currently on display on the upper floor at Ani’s Gallery is an exhibition of Second Life art by a relative newcomer to the scene – and apparently to Second Life as a whole.

Dhyezl appears to have joined Second Life just over a year ago, and the exhibition at Ani’s Gallery – which actually closes at the end of the month, so my apologies to him for getting to it so late – is Dhyezl’s first public display of his art. It features some 27 images, all of which fall largely into the category of landscape images, although many have an avatar-centric lean to them as well.

Dhyezl says of his work:

As life is full of surprises, I discovered here a passion for photography. If I remain silent, maybe it’s because you speak in voice and I don’t understand everything, or maybe it’s because I am taking a photo!

I’m still learning, so if you are a photographer I would be happy to share about your techniques, or collect advices.

I actually think he is being far too modest. There is considerable technique in his art, and this exhibition demonstrates this to the fullest; there is a rich vein of narrative to his pictures. In addition, some of the pieces have been gathered together somewhat thematically. Three pieces featuring water, for example have a sandy element before them, representing a beach or river bank. Another three, all of which might be called countryside images, are placed over a mini-scene of a meadow, complete with a broken cart among the flowers.

These elements add a certain depth to the art on display; but the reality it, Dhyezl’s art is striking enough not to require additional props, and I look forward to seeing more of his art at future exhibitions.

Also when visiting, don’t forget to appreciate Ani’s art on the ground floor of the gallery as well.

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• Ani’s Gallery (West Grove, rated Moderate)

Currently open in Second Life, and very suitable for the holiday period if you’re seeking to appreciate some art whilst dealing with Christmas over-indulgence (not that this should be a primary reason for visiting) are two art exhibitions that are small enough to be enjoyed without over-exertion and which are individually engaging.

Freeze Frame at ArtCare Gallery (curated by Carelyna) presents a selection of images by Suzie Anderton (noted for her InWorld Films machinima brand). Taken from around Second Life, they present – as the title of the exhibition suggests – frozen moments in time that represent places, arts and events.

What is striking about Suzie’s art is her use of colour and tone to add an emotional depth to many of her pieces. This, couple with her placement of the Sun in-world to provide light and her considered use of saturation within her images bring them to life.

Within Asmita Duranjaya’s InterStellART, meanwhile, is Untold, by Jaime Poutine, a collection of her physical world art. These are fascinating pieces, each one marvellously abstracted, inviting interpretation. They project a sense of ink injected into water to naturally spread to form swirls and clouds of colour swirling against the resistance of the water.

At the same time, many of the images seem to carry ghostly, half-present outlines, the suggestion of something beyond the ink clouds and swirls,pointing to a possible story within the pieces where these “ghosts” are evident. Expressively rich in colour and form, these are remarkable pieces, and worth the time to view.

Two small, enticing exhibitions which are, as noted, well worth taking the time to visit and appreciate.

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• ArtCare Gallery (Prychek, rated Moderate)
• InterStellArt Gallery (Nice Atoll, rated Moderate)