By Netera Landar
A Facebook invitation announced the grand opening of a new space for Kondor’s Art Cafe on Sunday, Jan. 11. Hermes Kondor’s artwork was featured in the Dickens Project Art Show last month, and I learned that he has an art center. Arriving early to the event would allow me to take pictures of Hermes’ collection without disrupting the event. To my surprise, Hermes was at the center.
Hermes explained that the art café is a transformation of an old concept called “The Terrace,” which had functioned more like a club. His notecard explained the concept and intention of the art café. It would serve a small but meaningful purpose as a Sunday cultural and elegant salon. The terrace would motivate people to meet in an art and cultural environment, to socialize, listen to good music, and to dance. Thursdays would feature exhibitions, and Sundays would focus on connection and atmosphere.
As Hermes started greeting other early guests, I clicked on the sim’s music stream and began walking through the realistic art center. Sydney Couerblanc was greeted by Hermes. She explained that she couldn’t attend the 1 p.m. opening but was interested in seeing his new materials. She told him she liked the tight color palette and the highlights and shadows in one of the photographs, then continued her self-guided tour.
My own tour was one of observation, appreciation, and a desire to speak with each photographer and artist about their composition. What were they trying to capture and express? Art is like poetry; you can try to interpret it, but it’s more than a personal point of view. The poet feels compelled to select the right words, while the photographer waits for the perfect angle and lighting to capture the image he/she desires.
Before I knew it, artists, photographers, and art supporters began arriving. Thirty-three at my last count. They gathered on the terrace and listened to DJ Pris and then DJ Medea. The majority were dressed casually. All commented positively on the collection and said they couldn’t wait to see future exhibits.
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| Hermes Kondor arrived early to greet guests before the art café opened. |
Hermes explained that the art café is a transformation of an old concept called “The Terrace,” which had functioned more like a club. His notecard explained the concept and intention of the art café. It would serve a small but meaningful purpose as a Sunday cultural and elegant salon. The terrace would motivate people to meet in an art and cultural environment, to socialize, listen to good music, and to dance. Thursdays would feature exhibitions, and Sundays would focus on connection and atmosphere.
As Hermes started greeting other early guests, I clicked on the sim’s music stream and began walking through the realistic art center. Sydney Couerblanc was greeted by Hermes. She explained that she couldn’t attend the 1 p.m. opening but was interested in seeing his new materials. She told him she liked the tight color palette and the highlights and shadows in one of the photographs, then continued her self-guided tour.
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| From the stairway, interior view. |
My own tour was one of observation, appreciation, and a desire to speak with each photographer and artist about their composition. What were they trying to capture and express? Art is like poetry; you can try to interpret it, but it’s more than a personal point of view. The poet feels compelled to select the right words, while the photographer waits for the perfect angle and lighting to capture the image he/she desires.
Before I knew it, artists, photographers, and art supporters began arriving. Thirty-three at my last count. They gathered on the terrace and listened to DJ Pris and then DJ Medea. The majority were dressed casually. All commented positively on the collection and said they couldn’t wait to see future exhibits.
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| Artists represented in the art center/museum. |
Here are a few pieces from the collection.
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| “Waves Roll in My Thoughts” by Paola Mills. |
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| “Fighting the Dark” by Duraya. |
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| “Tangled” by ilyra Chardin |
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| “Shoot Speed Kill Light” by Traci. |
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| “Distortion 24” by Angelika Corral 2023 |
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| “Failure” by Margherita Hax. |
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| “WOS Away” by eta Mae |
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| “Relativeco” by Selen Love. |
Slurl: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Royal%20Tea/159/82/30
Netera Landar
Netera Landar
