The Philosopher’s Stone

 By Gemma Cleanslate

“Philosophy is written in this grand book, the universe which stands continually open to our gaze. But the book cannot be understood unless one learns to comprehend the language and read the letters in which it is composed."... part of a quote I found in the bottom of a lovely interactive build of Pixel Sideways. I will let you find the rest.

Being a student of philosophy in Second Life for several years, I was thrilled to see the new LEA 17 presentation. At the entrance you will find directions for making your visit the best for lighting.  Pixels Sideways, along with Georg Janick have gathered a group of fifteen  marvelous builders to create a tribute to their favorite philosopher, loved or hated. When you arrive at the entry you will be on the ground where Pixel has made some architectural builds reminiscent of the olden days of the Greek temples. Wander there to see them and interact in many of them. The main part of the exhibit are above in the sky on  hovering isles. The Urn at the entrance will take you to any of them you choose.  Each artist is telling a story of  their view of that philosopher. 

There are many interesting philosophers represented in the installation beginning with Aristotle , Descarte, Hume, Marx.  Some are elegant, some playful, some soulful, which is nice to see. And all are thought provoking. Philosophy is not dull when demonstrated in this way.  I was thrilled to see art by Feathers Boa, who has not been creating art in Second Life for a while. Ub Yifi has an interactive build that is very lovely. 

One I found very poignant was that of Winter Nightfire. She admits that she did not create the components of her display but her meaning is her own when she describes her philosopher, Hannah Arendt. Winter says, “If we could practice using our minds to IMAGINE what it's like to be the woman we're about to persecute, blame, cut down, or slander, then could we create a society where women lift each other up instead of tearing each other down?  Could we have a more stable, peaceful society?  The only way to find out is to begin inside ourselves.”

There is one isle with notecards on each artist. I am only giving you at taste of what you will  find.  Be sure to read the thoughts of the artists in creating their view of the philosopher they are representing in their build. Some are very extensive, some a few words. You will begin on the ground.

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA17/41/225/25

Gemma Cleanslate