A Suitably Dramatic Backdrop for Doomed Love in Second Life

Tristan und Isolde by Giovanna Cerise (moderate)

Opera, particularly Wagnerian opera, is big in scale, in storyline, in voices, and in drama. Creating an environment which suits this type of production is difficult given the relatively small spaces which host them.

Second Life has a number of advantages in this regard, and Giovanna Cerise has provided us with a wonderful example.

Tristan und Isolde by Giovanna Cerise (moderate)

The story of Tristan & Isolde (or Iseult) has inspired many creative types. Using the version composed by Richard Wagner, Giovanna has built a space within which the full power of the work could reside without overwhelming the backdrop.  (note that Wagner never referred to this work as an opera, preferring other terms – most of history has ignored this artistic caprice)

Tristan und Isolde by Giovanna Cerise (moderate)

Although there are no performers occupying this stage, you can click on musical notes placed strategically around the build (make sure you turn off streamed music).

I’m not sure why doomed love stories are so popular in various creative works. A psychologist could probably explain that. He or she could also probably explain why your inner diva or divo surfaces as you explore this gorgeous set. Personally, I only indulged in one dramatic swoon. :)

Tristan und Isolde by Giovanna Cerise (moderate)

The Delightful Distrito Distinto in Second Life

***Distrito Distinto*** (moderate)

If you are as ignorant as I (and few are), you might be unfamiliar with the concept of Distrito Distinto (Different District). What I think I now know is that we should imagine an artistic festival which involves travelling to various interiors, each inspired by a song, and each providing a unique expression of wit and creativity.

To celebrate (what I think is) the 5th Anniversary of MetaLES, the art sim curated by the brilliant duo Romy Nayar & Ux Hax, an inworld Distrito Distinto has opened with 9 participating artists.

***Distrito Distinto*** (moderate)

These talented individuals, and their chosen songs, are:

  • Bryn Oh –             “keep the streets empty for me” by fever ray
  • Cica Ghost –         “Lullaby” by The Cure
  • Maya Paris  –         X-Ray Spex, “Oh Bondage! Up Yours!”
  • Giovanna Cerise  –  “Innuendo” by Queen
  • Betty Tureaud  –   Rolling Stones,  “She’s a Rainbow “
  • Rebeca Bashly  –   “Chop Suey” by System of a Down
  • Eupalinos Ugajin – “Estudio, Trabajo Y Fusil! Rockingchair”
  • JadeYu Fhang   –   Massive Attack,  “What Your Soul Sings”
  • Alpha Auer  –         Alpha Auer,  “Grid Factory “
  • Romy Nayar –       Mylène Farmer, “Nuit d’hiver (Chloé)”
  • Selavy Oh –          Ryoji Ikeda, “Carsen Nicolai Titel 4 – 1”
***Distrito Distinto*** (moderate)

The landing spot is just next to a ticket booth. Grab your free pass and you’ll get a HUD which will transport you to the various interiors along the route of the travelling exhibit.

Make sure you have “Region Windlight” turned on and that you have sounds enabled. The music isn’t being streamed (which makes a lot of sense if you think about it) and you want to hear the songs.

***Distrito Distinto*** (moderate)

I loved all of it. I am a big fan of each of these artists, I’m a new fan of the concept, and I am a devotee of Romy/Ux and this sim.

You will find art, and humour, and music (seriously, who would have guessed that Maya would choose a song called “Oh Bondage! Up Yours!” – well, yes, most of us). More importantly, you will find a celebration appropriate for a location which regularly provides us with some of the best virtual art available anywhere.

Go enjoy! :)􀀁

***Distrito Distinto*** (moderate)

HuMaNoid is Reborn (temporarily) & Upcoming Goodbyes in Second Life

Humanoid on LEA6 (moderate)

The magical build called HuMaNoid, which left the grid almost a year ago, is enjoying a temporary second life (see what I did there?) on LEA6.

Wendy Xeno has lovingly rebuilt her masterpiece and given us all a chance to revisit a favourite example of landscape as art. I didn’t want to spoil the surprise for those who aren’t familiar with it, but to you who have loved HuMaNoid, be assured that the doors are still there and they still open onto very special surprises.

Humanoid on LEA6 (moderate)

This is a busy time in Second Life and in the midst of the excitement of SL12B, the public talks with key Lindens (and other SL favourites), the music performances on 4 stages and in a giant festival, there are some quieter events planned over the next few days.

June 30 marks the end of the current round of LEA Artist in Residence grants. The exhibits have been exceptional and we only have a few more days to discover or revisit these creations.

Humanoid on LEA6 (moderate)

Many of the artists are holding special events to mark the closing of their exhibits. The ones I know about are being added to the LEA Calendar, so check it frequently over the next few days. You’ll want to celebrate your favourite!!

Again, I know this is a very busy time and I don’t want you to miss any of the great things happening. You can rest for a day or so in July. :)

Humanoid on LEA6 (moderate)

To provide you with some passive entertainment while you rest, I’ll point you in the direction of two beautiful videos.

The first, by Secret Rage, captures ALL of the exhibits which were part of Round 8. We hope to produce one for each Round going forward to have some permanent record of the fabulous creations by very talented artists. The second video was made by Haveit Neox to celebrate his amazing City Inside Out, and it’s as stunning as his installation.

Enjoy the rest of the month! It’s a great time to be inworld. :)

Humanoid on LEA6 (moderate)
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