Gallery Roundup: Tate-Canning, The Bailywick and Berg by Nordan

By Klaus Bereznyak,

A new month means, for many art galleries in Second Life, new exhibitions. It would probably take a month to get round them all but I have picked a few current offerings of the photographic sort, two new and one ongoing, that are worth checking out.

To begin with, Whiskey Monday has opened with a collection called Alternate Worlds in the Tate-Canning gallery at LEA6. Whiskey's work does not often get aired inworld, so this is a treat.

The landing point is fixed at LEA6 and the gallery is over on the North East side of the sim. Walking over there, the visitor can take in some of Dusty Canning's creations. She describes herself as an old-fashioned prim builder, and LEA6 displays a variety of such works, proving that there's still a lot you can do with the humble prim. Not least of these is the gallery itself, which is based on the Tate Modern in real-life London.

Whiskey's latest offerings pop from their canvasses in the sharp white light of the gallery. Whiskey has an instantly recognizable style, surreal and yet instantly accessible. This series of perfectly composed situational self portraits are wry and, at times, challenging. I found most of the images either resonated with experience or made me see things in a different way.

On to The Bailywick Gallery on Corsica, which is hosting four artists with black and white photographic work through August. I arrived just a few minutes before the sun set and enjoyed the long light falling through the huge windows that make up the front of the building. The landing point is upstairs where work is displayed by Lulyboop Resident and Solana Python.

Lulyboop presents a handful of large canvasses depicting moody and pensive avi-portraits in everyday settings that seem to tell a story. Her selection here feels highly personal. Luly states in her bio that "Photography in the metaverse is a small daily exercise that teaches me to be happy about what I do."

On the same floor, Solana's work is in smaller format and seems to contrast. Cutting into detail and finding the interesting textures and shadows in her subjects, there's both real-life and Second Life material in the selection. In at least one of the pictures I cannot be sure if we're seeing real-life or SL. By her own account, Solana seeks to open new doors for her viewers and put them in touch with nature and our world.

Downstairs, I looked first at GlitterPrincess Destiny's selection of dramatic scenes from inworld locations. These big canvasses, mostly depicting figures, are on the darker side of monochrome, seeming to exploit shadow more than light. To me they had a cinematic atmosphere.

Finally at The Bailywick, with the light fast fading, KodyMeyers Resident's compositons called for examination. There didn't seem to be any artist information available, but Kody's grunged surfaces and choice of scenes with repeating elements makes for some gritty imagery that seems to burn into the mind all the more for being in monochrome.

My final destination was Berg by Nordan Art, where LOSS by Senna Coronet has been installed since July and continues through September.

This very poignant exhibition is dedicated to Amona Savira, Senna having been invited to take up a slot that would have been Amona's if she had not, very sadly, passed on earlier in the year. Senna's images are on larger than life canvasses, depicting the same figure haunting the same space and seemingly haunted by the shadow and memory of another. On multiple canvasses the man seems listless and trapped.

On reaching the second floor I realized that the exhibition setting itself, as well as bing dark, close and almost claustrophobic, is filled with the props and furniture that are also seen in the pictures, setting up echoes between the space and the work in a way that intensifies its effect. The whole exhibition has a felt impact and is well done.

Go see!

Tate-Canning Gallery on LEA6: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA6/192/181/28
The Bailywick Gallery: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bailywick/128/107/26
Berg by Nordan Art: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nordan%20om%20Jorden/158/224/1001

Klaus Bereznyak

Anibrm Jung's Photography And "Crumbs From My Nightmares"

By Gemma Cleanslate

I was able to visit two very different art exhibits in the past few days. The first visit was to view the real life art photos by Ani (Anibrm Jung) , the owner of Art by Nature. The Gallery Graine is where she is showing her very lovely and varied photographs. 

 “Ani is a RL award-winning photographer for her sensitive and vibrant portraits of nature's works of art. Using only natural light and her Nikon D60 digital camera she captures the intimate detail of the life bursting forth in her garden. Framing at the viewfinder, Ani uses no cropping or image manipulation, allowing us to see exactly as she sees and to feel the closeness to nature that is her joy.”Anibrm Jung is a RL award-winning photographer for her sensitive and vibrant portraits of nature's works of art. Using only natural light and her Nikon D60 digital camera she captures the intimate detail of the life bursting forth in her garden. This is the description of her works that is on her profile and I saw this in the photos displayed at the exhibit.

It will be there another week. So I recommend you get over there to visit. There is such a range of diversity, but all nature in it's best form.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Blue%20Curacao/29/44/23

My next visit was to my friend Slatan Dryke’s exhibit in LEA6 which will be there until the end of May. I arrived to a large crowd attending the opening party. Many friends were in attendance so it was good to see them all. I went around a bit to see the exhibit pieces. It is called "Crumbs from My Nightmares.”

  Most of Slatan’s work is in motion so it is hard to depict in photos. There is a heartbeat through out the region . I went back the next day to be able to experience it all.  As he says ,”Don't panic, these are my nightmares, just MINE !” I am not so sure

 As I looked at some of the pieces it almost reminded me of a few of my old nightmares. Be sure to pick up the notecard where you can read much more about his thinking in his art and in the art pieces. He says, “I wish to build in such a manner as if I were photographing my nightmares”.  That says it all. Go and experience the motion and rhythm . http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA6/102/163/22

Gemma Cleanslate

What's New at the Linden Endowment for the Arts

By Gemma Cleanslate

The Linden Endowment for the Arts has many very exciting new installations in both the Visiting Artists sims and the Core sims. I had invites to three openings on Sunday but was involved in the Kickoff of the Relay for Life and missed all three. I went over to explore  the exhibits in two of the sims Monday . Landing at the welcome area was an experience too since it has been remodeled since I last was there . It is worth a visit to check out the new textures and look into the distance at pieces of art that are placed around the area. Here you can see the posters for the new artists in resident and if you stand close to the poster and click you will have a slurl in your chat that will take you right to the region. Be aware that some are still a work in progress. The core sims can be reached in the same fashion and the posters are there next to the artists area. Go take a look.   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA3/130/116/21

I then went over to LEA 19 to see the exhibit of my friend iSkye Silverweb. At first sight I was stunned by the desolate landscape but by the time I left I understood and realized it was not desolate at all. Since the sim was empty I had time to explore and see all the components that iskye has placed there. There is a story behind the creations. Read them. She also has her poetry at some of the segments to read and absorb with the story.  Most people have experienced what she did in one way or another ,

Loss
“Chaos. Disorder. Nothing makes sense.
Lost my place in a blink, like that.
Reality sinks in, just a bit. “

and will understand why it is set in the way it is. I will let you walk , and look, read and form your own impressions from your own memories.  Visit the “Colors of Loss and Healing “,  art by iSkye Silverweb, music by Ahnue Heartlight, creative support from Dubhna Thiadra,   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA6/128/128/22

My next trip took me to the installation “The Art Rocket” by Betty Tureaud.

When I see a rocket by Betty Turead I know I am going for a ride! On landing I grabbed the notecard to give me her ideas of enjoying the exhibit . I took the rocket for a wild ride through the region getting just a glimpse of color and what is to come. When I landed at the base again I put on the hud for a more sedate visit through the levels. At the Planet level I found myself finally believing that spring is really coming. The masses of colors are uplifting! Each level is discrete and has its own flair, but some have connections to another .

Watch for interactive fun.  My favorite was swimming with the fish in the ‘Pond’. The ‘Black Hole’ actually is not as empty as you think. Have fun as you tour using the hud. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA19/128/129/22

I will be touring more of the builds as they are completed. 

Gemma Cleanslate

HuMaNoiD Resurrection

By Gemma Cleanslate

There once was a region that was owned by Dirk Talamesca. Dirk passed away in March of 2014 and the sim was closed . It was a loss not only of the sim. Wendy Xeno had placed her popular installation, HuMaNoiDs, there. Now she has resurrected many of the sim artifacts and scenes in Lea6 that will be open until the end of July.

I have memories of going through the doors and experiencing the fun in the old sim and was happy to see the doors when I arrived. Each door is a transport to a scene but I love the ground level as much as going through the doors so I enjoyed those areas first. I sat and played the cello by the doors and then wandered around the tiny isles .I saw some new additions and missed some that were there before but the Owl was there sitting on his log and next to him the Great Blue Heron. I took a ride on the swing, and climbed into the boat to relax . It was poignant to recall my last visit to HuMaNoiD with my partner. 

Many memories flooded my mind as I wandered. There were empty picture frames leaning against several art pieces on one isle.I wonder of those empty frames would hold photos of rhe parts that are gone.  On another I found a camp with a fire and comfortable lounges . A quaint camping tent with vases and relaxing pillows graced the next isle. The trees and foliage look almost ethereal in the foggy light. The waters between the islands glistened and rippled as I crossed them. Huge surreal insects with gossamer wings stood on long legs in the waters and I sat on one to become part of it.  There were many others visiting while I was there . Etched in the waters by the doors there is the saying “We never touch anyone so lightly that we do not leave a trace.” More memories ....

I opened the doors one by one and visited the scenes on the other side. Each venue is delightful. I will let you see for yourself.   I recommend visiting with a friend or your honey to take part in the interactive  parts of the installation , on the ground and in the lovely scenes. It was a pleasure to revisit HuMaNoiD and I thanks Wendy Xeno for resurrecting it for all or us to experience once again and for those who never has the pleasure before. I will go back to see the lovely sights and experience it once again.  

Here is the entrance near the doors. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA6/59/111/21

Gemma Cleanslate 

*Edited July 4*

Bryn Oh And More at the LEA

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

I have been a fan of Bryn Oh for many years in Second Life. Her art is always a delight to visit  and often become part of it by interaction. Bryn is a real life artist living in Toronto Canada, whose landscapes are known over many countries and exhibited in many museums and galleries.  She has been doing various forms in exhibits that are extensive filling a sim from top to bottom and border to border and very interactive for the visitors. Some of my favorite exhibits include the "Rabbbicorn" story and "Anna’s Many Murders." 

 

Right now she has an installation titled  Retrospective in LEA 9.This goes back to here original art done in 2007and shows work to 2014.It is a wonderful perspective of how her art has progressed over the years.It is almost overwhelming in its scope. As you move through the site you will click on posters that lead you to  her machinima . Her artistry is in many media. The entire region is full of exhibit examples from each year. Just follow the signs. It will be open through December.  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA9/196/216/21

 

Another lovely exhibit not to be missed has opened in LEA6. It is art of real-life and Second Life photographs, and a poetry exhibit. Again the artist is a real life artist, Eliza Cabassoun, who says of her pieces, “Everyone has a place where they found their soul. This is where I found mine.  I found mine in a cabin by a lake where the fog rises in the morning into the mountains like a warm blanket.This lake is where I followed my soul to realize I have two gifts--writing and photography--and a part of my soul will always be here.” 

 

There is a convenient TP to get you to the gallery and Poetry Garden.  Walk around her lake to view some art  and some of her sculpture .
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA6/104/30/29

 

Gemma Cleanslate

Commonalities LEA6

By Gemma Cleanslate


Secret Rage has a marvelous installation on LEA6. It is a soliloquy on life ... real life and Second Life that gives you much to admire and think about. It is all interactive and easy to navigate. Walk up the ramp through the water to the life path. Be sure to collect the information cards that will guide your thoughts  to more introspection as you progress along the way. Put yourself into the scene at each stop to feel the full experience and reflect on your own life.

I spent some time in the school room trying the various poses of the kids chairs, all of which brought me back to some classmates usual poses in real life and made me smile.  Commonalities is the name of the build,  and they are demonstrated. Meditating on each brings back real-life and SL memories.  I enjoyed doing it alone as I went along and would recommend that experience to everyone who visits. Some places are fun to visit with loved ones or friends but this exhibit needs some contemplation time alone , exploring the commonalities, though I did return with a companion later to share the experience.

Of her work Secret  says, "All we hear about in the news today is the differences between countries, between cultures, between people ... and how they each make this world a difficult place in which to live. It is true ~ we are not all the same .. not in geography, ethnicity or lifestyles ~ BUT ~ for all of our differences ... we are still more ALIKE than we are NOT.  Therefore, I choose not to focus on those differences.  Although some of the pieces in this show may not VISUALLY apply to everyone, the idea behind them likely does.  COMMONALITIES celebrates the things that make us a collective family...some joyous, some sad, some normal~ but every day things~ in all, they are a part of being HUMAN and things to which we can all relate."  

 I also thought of the essay by Becky Shamen that appeared in the paper the other day reflecting on life principles and connections, "The Oneness Principle." Though some of parts of the exhibit I have seen before, they are connected in a way gives a different perspective and view of  each. 

The grand opening  party was held on Saturday, 7th of September with a performance by Pol Arida , guitarist and Neal Hoffman , singer.  and I am sorry to say I missed it . Put this on your list of to do in sl so when you have a while that is your own go visit.  . http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA6/235/36/1 

Gemma Cleanslate

The End of the “Second Libiations” Art Exhibit

The LEA6 sim, run by the Linden Endowment of the Arts, has been showing a new look every month. In November, it has Tyrehl Byk’s “Not a Knot” and “Catharsis” particle show. December brought a new exhibition by another artist: “Second Libiations” by Haveit Neox.

“Second Libations” had a story behind it. The exhibition depicts a future after all life on Earth ends following a disaster that evaporates all the water. The surviving intelligence lives only in virtual reality and computers: the ‘bots. And with out human maintenance, they too will eventually fade as their home goes dark. Not sure what to do, they flood their world with virtual water “in the hope of rehydrating their users.”

When the exhibit was up, visitors entered “through the doorway of a pyramid,” where they could read the story, followed by meeting up with some of the bots. Free outfits in the style of what the bots were wearing were available. Going further, they would find themselves walking down a huge statue, eventually ending up at the bottom of the sea, directions leading to a staircase that took one to land, and the “Temple of the Bots.” There, the bot scripters worked to try to preserve their virtual world without the help of their now dead users. The three rooms one could go to were an art gallery, a maze leading to a study area, and a “web tower” made up of spiders and a web symbolizing the Internet.



December 31 was the last day of the exhibit, but instead of simply taking it down Haveit decided to end things with a bang.


There will be a dramatic end to Second Libations on New Year's eve, Dec 31. As the year 2012 issues in, will it really be the end of the world? Come see for yourself. The show begins at 2 pm, SLT. (SL time is Pacific Standard Time). You may want to be there, and bring your camera.


A few dozen gathered to witness the end of the LEW exhibit. Some were in the exhibit’s costumes. And the end had become part of the story. Narrated by Lilia Artis, “The bots, still unable to resuscitate their human users come to the last resort: the human standards of ritual and sacrifice. Combining the rites of the Vikings, Hindus, and many other cultures as well, the bots begin their sacrifice, sailing into a prayer by way of the burning ship, the offering of their entire culture and being.” And the temple began to go ablaze.

Lilia continued, “The temple’s library explodes with all the stories in its scrolls, releasing their printed letters and punctuation into a confused mass. The air blackens with the dust of ideas. No pixel seems stable. The supports of the temple begin to slide along the x axis, then the y, wrestling themselves free of structure, the walls succumb, relinquishing their will to stand. 2012 has arrived! “ And the Temple began to crumble.

The audience reacted in different ways. Some cheered at the sight, cracking jokes, “Oh, em, gee, Libations is becoming ‘Frybations!!’ “I love the smell of burning pixels.” “Are you playing the ‘Ride of the Valkyries?’ ” “We bot them all the time we could!” “Burning it down for the insurance?” “Take that, library police!” Some gave polite applause, “The Libraryinth shall forever be emblazoned in our minds' eyes!” “Nothing is ever ‘destroyed’ ... merely transformed.” Others just watched, thoughtful of the plot and what this symbolized: the end of the last bastion of intelligence on Earth.

Lilia continued to narrate as the temple fell, “The World Wide Web, spun by scripter spiders in the tower collapses in the fury of the sacrifice.” Then the huge statue fell, “The Colossus, comes to his knees as the temple of the bots lies in ruin.” Some continued to joke, while others applauded the artist, Honour McMillan saying, “Hav, you're a seriously demented talent, thank the gods for that.”

Finally, the build was in rubble, Lilia narrating, “As foretold, the year 2012 would bring an end... but, an end of one thing, is the beginning of another... From the rubble on the LEA6 sim, will soon rise the fruits of the bots’ sacrifice... One of the essences of human nature... a universal language understood not only by humans, animals, and all living things... but even by mathematics itself....”

Lilia announced that the next exhibit at LEA6 would have the theme “Music,” by the artist Artistide Despres. The exhibit’s rubble would remain until Midnight SL time, “Thank you for having joined me for this spectacle. And Happy New Year!” The audience, jokesters and all, then applauded Haveit for his exhibit and the show he put at the end, “Thank you, Haveit, for a most splendid exhibit and adventure here!” “I will miss this place, but what a great way to end it - Bravo!“ “was totally awesome, thanks! So much creativity!” “A fitting end to a spectacular installation.” Haveit expressed his thanks to the crowd, “Thank you everyone! ... I'm so grateful that you came! And thank you Lilia for helping put the text into local for me!”

More information on “Second Libations,” can be found at the UWA blog, as well as Haveit’s own blog.

Bixyl Shuftan