APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE!!!

Amazing how things get together! When "Art in Hats" came to it's end it happened that I got the chance to become curator of The Paris METRO Art Gallery. Owner and designer of Paris METRO is Rose (RFB Morpork), who generously creates a gown inspired by the current artist as visitors gift for every exhibtion. And the next artist to display has been already committed when I started: My dear friend Bianca Xavorin. By watching her first drafts we fast knew what we wanted for the exhibition.

"LAAADIIIEEESS AND GENTLEMENNNNN! AND CHILDREN OF ALL AGES. WELCOME TO THE MOST EXTRAVAGANT EXTRAVAGANCY THE HUMAN EYE CAN BEHOLD… WELCOME BIANCA XAVORIN'S MOST SPECTACULAR SHOW ON EARTH: LE CIRQUE DE LA MAGIE NOIRE!!!

THE EXTRAORDINARY GRANDEUR OF THE SPECTACLE – EVERY ACT, EVERY ANIMAL PARADE IN FULL REGALIA FOR THE AUDIENCE AS THE BAND PLAYS. WE SEE CLOWNS, JUGGLERS, ACROBATS, EXOTIC ANIMALS, FORTUNE-TELLERS …IT IS TRULY SPECTACULAR!”

This beautiful dress inspired by Bianca Xavorin's Art is visitors gift. Photo: RFB Morpork

And the actors are you, the audience. Therefore the dress code for today should be clear. Wear anything "circus or magic" in theme.

APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE for the Art of Bianca Xavorin and Gown and Tux by Paris METRO Couture

But first you can relax end enjoy the show! These photos has been taken ass teasers at the rehearsals:

taken by Babypea von Phoenix

~ Elysium Dancers New Special Performance
~ Celebrating Bianca Xavorin's NEW Art Exhibition
~ Today, August 31, 2014 - 3 PM SLT In Paris Couture

The exhibtion is open through September.

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Paris%20Couture/126/31/22

Up To The Sky - Updated with Machinima

Betty Tureaud is known for her fun installations in bright colors.

"My Space" offers a flight by rocket and then by UFO (if you are fast enough to catch one of them. The UFO flies throough a typical "Betty-Universe!

At the opening event I had time to explore the build and want to share some nice features. After the first rocket flight I caught  an Ufo that brought me in one flight up to the stage level. But you should have a look for this green square:

The green frame is a TP that brings you from level to level upwards. Each level has different features and is worth to be explored. And the small pyramid has a gift for you on click: The Rocket Hat.

Catlin Tobias had a hard time when she took  this photo with the hat for "Art in Hats". Wear the hat and find out for yourself. And never, I repeat NEVER click the hat ;)

Last but not least don't forget to open the music stream. The tunes has been composed by Ultraviolet Alter especially for this installation.

NicoleX Moonwall took two machinima:


Going - up from NicoleX on Vimeo.



Going - down from NicoleX on Vimeo.

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA24/125/118/21

Mixed Reality Show Today: San Francsico and Second Life

Events, especially in the art fields, that cover Second Life and real life are to me always interesting and the only chance to get more attention for and a better reputation of Second Life. Three avatars worked together for a long time to make this project happen. The premiere has been last Wednesday at US time. Today is the only show for Europeans. Since I haven't seen the show yet, I post the press release here:

"August 20 marked the first ever mixed reality ZEROG SkyDance opening at Little Boxed Theater in San Francsico. The virtual SkyDance set was projected on a 14’ x 8’ rear projection screen inside a fully darkened theater space with an incredible sound system playing the original musical score composed for Avant Garden by Swedish composer Juivers Stockholm. Dancing in a "follow spot” in front of the projection screen was Kathleen Moore (of Dance Generators) playing the character “Rose Gardener” the caretaker of the Avant Garden. Before the show, artist and creator DC Spensley (DanCoyote in SL) spoke briefly about the production giving historical context to the 8 years of SkyDance productions and a primer on virtual worlds as context for the event. Most people in the audience were not initiated into virtual worlds and found it very helpful to understand what was going on. The show was very well attended with about 60 people crowded into a theater space designed for 50.

These will be the only two shows possible since DanCoyote’s stay at LEA SOVA (School of Virtual Art) comes to a close on September 1st. The SkyDance “Avant Garden” is presently looking for another sim and discussions are under way to produce another mixed reality showing in San Francisco in late September or early October. Please IM DanCoyote Antonelli in SL or send email to dc@dancoyote.com to be added to the list for this one of a kind event in San Francisco.

Avant Garden is a mixed reality theater performance by Artistic Director and Virtual Worlds Producer DC Spensley. Mixed reality in this sense means a combination of live and virtual reality dance performers interacting by means of a rear projection screen. The virtual team is called the ZERO SkyDancers, an ensemble that has been performing professionally since 2006 at art biennials, festivals and commissions, log in from all over North America using their computers to rehearse and perform together in simulated space. Imagine people controlling puppets over the internet all together on a stage similar to a video game environment. The live dancer (physically present) Kathleen Moore (of Dance Generators) performs in front of the screen allowing her to interact with the virtual performers and stage set.

Avant Garden is a combination of avant grade and walled garden and refers to the challenge presented in offering virtual reality theater to a physical audience. Avant Garden is an experiment in doing exactly that: sharing virtual theater with a live audience."

RL photo from the first event last Wednesday

Avant Garden, a mixed reality performance presented by DC Spensley featuring the ZEROG SkyDancers and Kathleen Moore as “The Gardener”

Original Musical Score by Junivers Stockholm

Technical Director Sasun Steinbeck

Live dance meets virtual reality spectacle for a unique form of experimental theater

AVANT GARDEN today, Saturday August30th at 12.45 PM SLT

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA9/140/34/2539

Odyssey

Giovanna Cerise is an artist that never is easy to cover in a blog post, because she is damn smart and has a hude knowledge. Her art tingles the mind and she is always exploing new techniques of building. her art looks always detailed, fresh and different.

The enchantress Circe turned men to pigs, She fell in love with Odysseus and he stayed a whole year.

I know artists who works just after their feelings and leave the interpretations to the audience. This can be interesting, because art like this can express subconcious moods which may move the audience.

The Sirens sing so beautiful that they drive sailors mad and let them wreck their ships. Odysseus wanted to hear it and let his friends, who had wax in teh ears, fixed him at the mast. 

This is not the kind of works that Giovanna does. She invests a lot of thoughts before she starts building..Today opened "Il Folle Volo" (The Mad Flight). The installation is referring to the Odyssey, an ancient greek saga about the many years lasting travel of a man calles Odysseus back home after a long war he took part. Osyyseus was one of the heroes of my youth and I know hos adeventures in ans out. If you don't know them, you should read Giovannas notecard. The Odyssey inspired artists century after century.

The Mad Flight after Dante's Inferno. He was right seeing Odysseus as an eternal adventurer. 

It was interesting for me to see all the red lines at the works, symbolizing the forces that hold a person in place and which makes it hard to break out. To me Odysseus where always a symbol of freedom, he saw so many interesting places, but sure, he had no others choice besides making the best of it. And isn't that what life is about? I had the impression that Odysseus did. He was not really in hurry to get back home. I guess I should read the Odyssey again.

Not to be missed!

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Land%20of%20Glory/111/164/27

The Space of a Gallery

Many things can be an inspiration for artists. Lilia Artis and Moeuhane Sandalwood are both known for artworks in many styles and with many themes as singles artist or team, but a structure as inspiration is new.

The building, that Aakriti Arts owner Ranadeep allowed me choose when I have been invited to curate the small Gallery Shop, ist very special, with curves and different angles. Not meant as gallery it is a perfect and interesting place to present art.

Lilia and Moe digged holes in the walls and offer new perspectives. Amazing how a small building can become a place to discover. You should not miss to see how they explored the space and changed it.

'in between spaces' is open until September 19th

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Amadora/204/185/22

The Drax Files: Flokers

This Drax Files has been released in June when I was so busy with Art in Hats that I missed to post this:



For an interview I had the chance to get in contact with Flokers Resident and was very impressed. She is autistic and the protected world of Second Life helps her to get in a closer contact with others as she would be able in Real Life. She paints portraits of avatars in SL. For that she has to do a close  look on the portrayed avatars. Something that would be impossible for her in RL. This practise helps her to improve the interaction with others in RL. I learned that an autist does not suffer of autism. She feels ok to be alone.

It is sad that medical science still totally overseas the countless possibilities in virtual worlds to enhance the lifes and diseases of people not only with mental illness. My best friend for example had a bad stroke which left her one side lame and with many more handicaps. At the beginning when she was back she could not do anything. She needed help to rez an object or to dress and often she did not see items which where inworld. I often logged in with her avatar to fix something. But over the months and years it becomes better day by day and I am happy to see that progression. In RL she still sits in a wheel chair but in Second Life her freedom almost back. And I think it is a mental training for her and helps her to improve in RL too.

But back to Flokers: Draxtors machinima explains as well her Synesthesia, a rare ability to see letters and numbers as colors and why Flokers has chosen to be child avatar. Very impressive!

If you are interested in her portraits - here is the LM of her gallery:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Huron/51/234/25

And if you are able to read German, find the interview here at page 85:

Mental Health Fair

As so often I stumbled by it's end over this interesting event but I think it is that important that I share with you here. What is a "Mental Health Fair" and what to get there? Going there I saw a row of tents with trade goods but the interesting part is in the center where events are held. Every day the event provides information about different mental illness. Today I learnt about healthy and unhealthy relationships, also in SL.

I guess everyone meets in Second Life sooner or later someone with mental diseases. In RL I worked a while with a healer and was more than once surprised how many people have mental issues and that one cannot see that from outside. In SL the anonymity gives us the freedom to expose more of us and as I learnt today at the fair, the protected virtual world is a good platform to learn different and better ways of dealing with issues. Joshuan Banx, the head of "Inspirational Mental Health" said: " People with mental diseases find refuge here but it's the same here and in RL. Some find their refuge in drugs, sex, gangs, and other things. Many find it in virtual worlds...people with mental illness should be loved and supported just like those with cancer but unfortunately we still have a lot of stigma and face discrimination." And he knows about the topic: " I have ptsd ( post traumatic stress disorder) in RL and have suffered from depression, anxiety, flashbacks, hallucinations, and other symptoms of mental illnesses. I didn't have resources and information and it was hell for me. Eventually I had two friends who helped me but it made me wonder how many others didn't have resources and information and were suffering alone. I reached out to other groups in sl and in rl and no one responded to me. I wanted that to change so here we are!"

The home Inspirational mental Health, whre regularly meetings and events are held

The event theme today, Thursday, will be " Eating disorders and Panic Attacks".

Program today:

2 pm slt - What is panic attack? What are the symptoms? And what are some coping skills to help with panic attacks?


5 pm slt - How is being a child avi healing the inner child? How can you protect your child in sl? and what you may want to do in order to prevent triggers.



7 pm slt - Eating disorders information 

This is the last day of the fair. After the event the group will start to RL projects and will continue holding meetings inworld.

Get more information here:
Inspirational Mental Health at Facebook: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Migaia%20Isle/22/201/1002
Website: http://www.inspirationalmentalhealth.com/

Taxi to fair: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alpha%20Centauri/223/102/1401

Taxi to Inspirational Mental Health: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Migaia%20Isle/21/202/1002

You may subscribe here for information or join the inworld group: secondlife:///app/group/e047b46b-e202-e0cf-cec4-0e537e184bf6/about

Amazed in Space

If there is a kind of art in Second Life that amazes me most, it is particle art. There is only a handful of artists who do shows and one of them is Kikiri Tuqiri. She did an amazing show at my wedding in the Lefevre Mansion. If you missed it, see photos and machinima in this post: The Wedding

Last Sunday Kikiri presented her latest show "Kikiri's Adventures in SPACE".

Kikiri plays with many different settings from emotional and touching to funny. The scenes are designed to match the chosen songs which are all related to the theme and are ending with them.

The result is an entertaining show which got a lot appreciation and applause from the huge audience.

I really recommend to join one her shows, especially when you never have seen a particle show. To be updated about show times you may send an IM to Kikiri Tuqiri and she will be happy to add you and to send note cards with invitations. Or you bookmark her schedule website.

Kikiri's Schedule online: http://kikiart.homestead.com/index.html

Next show:
Kikiri's Adventures in SPACE August 31st. at 5:PM SLT

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Key%20West%20Island/132/103/3001

Fear

Some artists who studied art in real life and did a lot to learn do not like to hear it, but especially in Second Life are some autodidacts which created remarkable works. That could be due to the fact that the virtual world is a new media where everyone has to learn how to work with.

When it comes to painting it is a bit different. I cannot count how often I stood shuddering in front of awful paintings of laymen with lack of talent and even more of practise. When I see weird proportions, twisted perspectives and limbs I know why painting has to be learned.  But the the self perception of some autodidacts is far from reality and they rather blame the world of ignoring their genius instead of having a more critical view on the own works.

Emma Watts is layman but far away from all that. Everything in her images is right - right to let us take part of her painful internal life where art maybe is the only way to let it out and give her agony a face. She seems to know all sides of it and is able to let us relate. And maybe the anonymity in Second Life helps her to open up more as she would be able in real life.

You might know the saying "Genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration." Sweat can come from hard work or from fears, suffering and panic. Emma Watts payed -and I think as all really good artists- a high price for the quality of her works.

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Koala%20dAlliez/145/154/22

Stairway to Heaven

The meaning about Angels is for sure very controversial. For some they are helpful guides and protectors, for others they are just a fairytale and do not exist.

Abel Paulino, Adreano Constantine, And Silverblade, Cullum Writer, deborakaz, Nino Vichan, Pol Jarvinen and Sunset Quinnell as artist and organizer contributed to this installation. Walking through my feelings where mixed not just because I liked some works more and others less.

I suddenly understood that images of beings who are energies in our life easily can reflect the pictures we had in our imagination as children about god and angels and so fast look less serious to us. From that perspective it is smart to disallow images of "god" as happens in Islam or Zen Buddhism.

Nino Vichan pulls us back to earth and combines beautiful classical drawings with shocking facts.

The music at the installation has been composed for this event by And Silverblade. It creates a relaxing and contemplating atmosphere as the whole exhibition.

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA4/128/127/801

KAGAMI - The Game

Usually I log in to Second Life for working: blogging, organizing, supporting, curating, meetings and stuff. I cherish the hours when I take the time to play in SL as today.

Kagami is an excellent made mystical game. At the entrance you take a HUD and choose your language.

What is the story about? The latest rumour in the school was: "Hey, you know what? At midnight, put two mirrors facing each other. Then you can see your future spouse in the mirror!" Most stayed suspicious, but Kasumi does not come back the next day to school. What happened to her? Did she try a mirror?

You as her friend decide to go after it and while researching you are wrapped up in a mystical and melancholic storyline in the world between life and death.

What is in the mirror?

It took me about 3 hours to pass through part I and II and I enjoyed it. It is not too hard for unexperienced gamers like me and I love the story. The HUD allows to come back anythime and to go back to the place where you stopped.

Don't forget to donate and to check the nice mall to buy something. Events like this should be supported!

Open until August 31st!

More about Kagami: http://kagami2014.wix.com/secondlife

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hakoniwa/151/127/22

ART IN HATS: Two Machinima

I Think it's not only me who is sad that ART IN HATS is over. Luckily two nice people made machinima at the event. Big thanks to Schanie Akina who filmed the exhibtion and to NicoleX Moonwall, who took pictures at the fashion show as far as it was possible with the lag caused by over 80 avatars during the show. She made three parts! Hugs to both!

by Schanie Akina





by NicoleX Moonwall

Part 1


Art in Hats 2014 from NicoleX on Vimeo.


Part 2


Art in Hats 2014 part II from NicoleX on Vimeo.


Part 3


Art in Hats 2014 part III from NicoleX on Vimeo.

Taka no Sakura

Sayouri Yuhara and Sakiko Shilling are running this Japanese themed sim with breahttaking landscape.

Here is really a lot to explore. It feels like holiday. You will wander up and down the mountains.

On me: Neon Stripes Lemon/Orange Dress + Chained Pumps Orange Juice by Glow Designs for Trend Fashion Fair,
On Scatter: Aloha Edge Outfit by Bravura for Great Summer Bash Fashion Fair,  Soca Fedora Toco by Couture Chapeau

Skin:  Imara.Linen.Scripted by Dulce Secrets, Hair 42 by Analog Dog,  Mesh Nail "love Panna cotta" by pulcino,  Circles Necklace Orange Gold by 22769 

The sim has a slight autumn mood. I am in love with the colors here.

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Dream/112/150/41

Photography in Second Life

Photogtaphy is an important and huge part of art in Second Life. Recently opened some interesting exhibitions which should not be missed. At the end of this post I present 2 photo compilations which give a broad overview of SL photography.

Sabbian Paine

"World in my Eyes" is a great show with different themes in Sabbian's unique style. And he proves he is one of the best in Second Life.

Fae Varriale

On the same sim one of my favourite photographers has a small gallery with old and new works.

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Transylvania/239/238/31


Freyja Merryman

Freyja's work is always a bit fairytale. Love it!

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Angel%20Manor/103/109/29


WuWai Chun

WuWai's exhibition opened last weekend at the Rose Gallery. She loves the same as me in SL. Exploring "Somewhere in Second Life". But while I need words to describe she is able to take incredible photos of the places.

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Angel%20Manor/75/109/29


Ermandalee

This photographer was new to me. This exhibitions is at the Rose Gallery too. Excellent!

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Angel%20Manor/133/85/29


And here two compilations of SL photography which has been just released:

Angle works Volume 1 #3

Joseph Nussbaum just released part 3 of his collection.



Photography August 2014

A huge compilation by Joa Oh with almost 400 pages.