Tag: Art

The controversial artworks of Jenn Villota..

The controversial artworks of Jenn Villota..

by Lisa Millar ♥ 7 Comments

Face it, the metaverse adores a good controversy.  Regardless of how many signs you’ll see dotted about a sim shouting ‘No Drama’ or ‘Drama Free Zone’ there’s nothing the grid likes better than a bit of a kerfuffle. And boy is there some kerfuffling going on at the moment about an exhibit by Jenn Villota…

misohorny

 This is a pic of me stood outside the gallery, because as will become very swiftly obvious if you pay a visit, the contents are unbelievably controversial.  I couldn’t possibly print any of the images here, because they’d probably make you very uncomfortable indeed.  Having said that, these works deal with themes that art has featured over thousands of years; sex, death and conflict.  Jenn chooses to portay these subjects as viscerally and blatantly as possible, using photographs taken in Second Life and enhanced using some sort of toolset that I have no comprehension of.  The result is a juxtaposition of beautifully rendered photographs that feature pornographic, challenging and downright nasty images.  I wandered around the exhibit with my virtual and real life gobs agape in wonder at what I was seeing…If you decide to take a visit be warned, these pictures aren’t for the faint-hearted and there was even  a couple that made me go ‘Eww!’ 

That said, the work is astonishing.  Love it or loathe it, this is art that will cause shockwaves in Second Life but for all the right reasons.  I’m glad that Second Life can be used by artists to create such startling work, and although I can’t say that Jenn’s creations feature themes that resonate with me, I recognise that this is the way that she chooses to express herself as an artist and more power to her for doing so, especially because she created her work within the confines of our wonderful metaverse.  Whilst I was there I bumped into Jenn and she was gracious and really lovely to chat to..you may find that a surprise when you see some of the twisted imagery on display..

Here’s the Second Life Herald article that led me to visit the gallery, and click here for an SLURL.  Be warned, it’s not for the faint hearted, but i strongly suggest that you visit.  Why? Because art creates opinions, creates debate, and most importantly of all it makes us consider what we are witnessing in real life that has lead the artist to develop such a creation,  and the wider implications of it.  It’s powerful, and thought-provoking stuff indeed.

Possibly the most beautiful gown in the virtual world..

Possibly the most beautiful gown in the virtual world..

by Lisa Millar ♥ 1 Comment


Oh lordy…..Feast your eyes on this utter beauty!!  I’ve just had *the* Kittygasm to end all my previous ones..I’m beyond spent. I’ve just discovered a store that has utterly blown me away! A little background: In real life the artist I have loved more than any other, and will do until my dying day, was a chap called Gustav Klimt. The man was an utter genius, and we were so blessed upon this planet to have such an artistic visionary amongst us (see, I told you I loved him:) He created some of the most stunning, controversial, iconic and awe-inspiring works of art that I have ever seen, and I can do no justice to the fella  with my inane ramblings and the lame prose that I write here. Liverpool, because of it’s ‘City of Culture’ status has been lucky enough to hold an exhibition of Klimt’s work but alas I haven’t been able to see it ( I’m holding out for Jez to take me to Vienna one day so I can see his works in their country of origin:) Until then, I’ll just have to make do with this amazing gown. I’ve discovered it in a store I had never heard of until tonight..‘Lady Thera Art & Fashion’ and It’s based on an infamous portrait of a lady called Adele Bloch Bauer. It’s been created by Thera Taurog. Thera, if you’re reading this, you’re a genius lass, you really are!  Words fail me as to the utter beauty of this gown. Thera has lifted the texture from the painting and applied it with such delicacy and imagination that I’m sure Gustav himself would heartily approve. It seems criminal almost to even consider adding shading and creasing to such a sublime creation but she’s pulled it off and the result is a treat for the eyes. Just LOOK at the picture above, you can see what an absolute treat it is can’t you? I love the sheer drapery around the arms and the neck that she has carefully crafted to accentuate the curves and design of the dress..it works perfectly. L$850 is not cheap for a frock, but for one such as this it’s a bloody gift. ( Wedding attire doesn’t come cheaper or better ladies, so why not indulge?)I’m flabbergasted by this find ( can you tell?) and I’d LOVE her to create a gown based on ‘The Kiss’, which is above me on my real life wall as I write. Until then, I shall happily evoke the grace and beauty of Adele as seen by the artist himself in this utterly wonderful little number…oh, and I give even more brownie points for the fact that Thera includes a biog of Gustav, as well as an unframed portrait of the original work for you to enjoy. Incidentally, if art is your thing (it certainly is mine) then why not check out her other gowns…you may have heard of some of the artists featured(!)and she’s created pieces just as wonderful as this one for Renoir, Van Gogh, Miro and Monet…it’s a wonderful concept and the gowns are works of art in their own right and there is one for every virtual taste in store…

I’m a very happy Kitty tonight indeed:)