Places: AM Radio at IDIA Laboratories
Posted: September 28, 2010 Filed under: Places Leave a comment »
I remember about a year ago or so, there used to be this AM Radio landscape, I forget what it was called, with burning fields, an old highway, a run down gas station and a few houses. It felt like a mid-western American landscape, empty and grim, but very beautiful in its simplicity. Then one day that place was gone and I sort of missed it. I am glad to report that now the burning fields are back! Of course, its not the same, no gas station and no highway, but nevertheless. This new place has a house and a few buildings, some train cars and open fields, on which the sky leaves soft shadows as it hurries by. The muted colors, the few items strategically placed in the landscape and the soft music all contribute to an unmistakable AM Radio feel. So very beautiful. Check it out: http://slurl.com/secondlife/IDIA%20Laboratories/123/135/2058
Nordan Art Opening: September 18, 2010
Posted: September 19, 2010 Filed under: Openings Leave a comment »
The Nordan Art opening on September 18, showing Kicca Igaly, Natsha Lemton, Del May and Bliss Violet, was a great success. (Unfortunately, at times, due to the heavy attendance and the limits of the sim in regards to handle such influx, it was laggy and people could not TP in). The works of these four talented female artists (from Australia, England, France and Italy) seemed to stop people in their tracks and much time was spent processing the experience of the art. People used words like “elegant,” “sensual” and “magical” to describe their impressions. While all gallery space is easily accessible, it’s easy to overlook the TP to the roof (the TP is on top of the staircase), please don’t miss it. Check out this exhibit, it runs from September 18 to November 12, 2010. Next opening, showing typote Beck, Syn Beresford, Feathers Boa, soror Nishi and Trill Zapatero, on November 20 at 2 PM SLT.
Places: China
Posted: September 11, 2010 Filed under: Places 2 Comments »
I went to China. I know that this place has been around for a while (and I’ve been there before), but it’s worth re-visiting. Its one of those places, like the Far Away or Memento Mori, where you stand around for a while, usually alone. Only China has no music. The silence, the solitude and the few sparse and strategically placed ink marks on this bleak canvas sort of makes it feel like a scene out of an Ingmar Bergman movie. This place delivers a great emotional effect. Teleport over if you have a chance: http://slurl.com/secondlife/China/148/194/1994
Interview with Jayjay Zifanwe
Posted: September 7, 2010 Filed under: Interviews Leave a comment »
Jayjay Zifanwe, owner of the University of Western Australia SIM and creator and judge of the UWA 3D Art & Design Challenge, graciously said yes to a brief interview for this blog. We met both at the UWA SIM and at Nordan Art.
Flora Nordenskiold: First, thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. I know you are busy in Second Life. I appreciate you taking the time. The UWA 3D Art & Design Challenge has been a tremendous success. As the orchestrator, what has been your greatest challenge?
Jayjay Zifanwe: The greatest challenge has been trying to make everything work with the sim resources and displaying all the works in their best light almost instantaneously, not knowing what other works will be coming in. And trying to ensure that everything was presented as well as possible given the constraints.
Flora Nordenskiold: Now that one year has past, what kind of direction will the UWA 3D Art & Design Challenge take?
Jayjay Zifanwe: Well, the UWA 3D Art & Design Challenge is not complete yet. Across the month of September members of the expanded judging panel as well as the people of Second Life are being asked to look at all the winning works across the months and help decide a Grand Champion. When that particular challenge ends there will be something new, which will be announced during the grand champion announcement in early October.
Flora Nordenskiold: Being exposed to so much variety of art you have an unusual perspective on Second Life art and creativity. What are your thoughts on art and creativity in Second Life?
Jayjay Zifanwe: I am the accidental art gallery owner. Before I started the UWA Second Life presence I had no idea that art and machinima would feature so prominently in it. With art, I think finally there is a place where we can say that the imagination is truly the limit.
Flora Nordenskiold: Considering the recent Rose Borchovski/Susa Bubble situation, what are your thoughts on art censorship in Second Life?
Jayjay Zifanwe: Well, I hosted the Rose Borchovski piece. We hosted the work on UWA land.
Flora Nordanskiold: Finally, and on a more personal note, do you have any artistic inclinations yourself, i.e. are you creative in Second Life or Real Life?
Jayjay Zifanwe: My creativity I guess has been in pulling the elements and people together. I am not an artist in the traditional sense by any means. My star sign is Pisces, it is supposed to be artistic. That is true on stage, drama/comedy in Real Life.
Flora Nordenskiold: Thanks so much, Jayjay. Great pleasure.
Jayjay Zifanwe: Thanks, Flora.
Review: Forest of Scissors
Posted: September 6, 2010 Filed under: Igor Ballyhoo, Reviews 2 Comments »
The Forest of Scissors, by Igor Ballyhoo, is located on the UTSA Art Space. Once you arrive, you immediately find yourself surrounded by what seems like thousands of gigantic scissors. Above and below, hovering, a dark and threatening sky. One gets the sense of being lost amongst these huge scissors, a sense of being trapped in a suspended monochrome landscape in the sky. There’s an overriding feeling of dread coupled with acute beauty. Breathtaking. This is surrealism in Second Life and nobody does it better than Igor Ballyhoo. High level of craftsmanship, creativity and originality. Check it out when you have a moment, its worth the trip: http://slurl.com/secondlife/UTSA%20Roadrunner%20II/118/110/1997
Review: Urban ARTs
Posted: September 4, 2010 Filed under: Reviews Leave a comment »
A friend sent me a LM to a gallery she wanted me to check out. I TPd over and realized I already knew it and that it is one of the better galleries in Second Life. Concrete pillars, geometric stone tiles, numerous escalators, tall windows and even taller pine trees merge into an urban sort of industrial image against a starry deep-blue clouded sky. The textures of this gigantic four floor complex are exquisite. And the music fits the scene. Here you will find art by artists like Del May, Jordan Giant, Robin Moore, Carthalis Rossini and others (there are 39 SL and RL artists all together). Overall, considering the high quality of the build and the fantastic selection of artists, I am very impressed by this place. Check out this gallery, you will not regret it: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Deizha/111/35/801
Review: Le Jardin des Ephemeres
Posted: September 3, 2010 Filed under: Reviews Leave a comment »
This is the new gallery by Natsha Lemton. You initially find yourself standing to your ankles in water, thinking “oh, not this again.” But this is a little different than other “low water” art sim experiences as the water and sim itself somehow feel raw and wild. Trees and gigantic translucent black fish are placed as a backdrop to Natsha’s wonderful works. I love her delicate 3D photography. I also liked the translucent bubbles and balls floating in the air. (You can actually purchase the particle bubbles and particle pollen below water!). As you keep walking you unexpectedly sink underwater and the exhibit continues there. Overall, I found this gallery terrific. The playfully orchestrated landscape, the non-intrusive music, the delicate beauty of Natsha’s works leave a very intriguing sort of non-polished impression. You can check out the gallery at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Little%20Rock/91/214/10
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