UWA Artists’ Choice ChallengesAn exhibition series of original digital art in a virtual world

FreeWee Ling, curator

UWA Studies in Virtual Arts | December 2012 | Volume 1, Number 8

ISSN: 2200-7865 (Print) ISSN: 2200-7873 (Online)

UWA Studies in Virtual ArtsDecember 2012Volume 1, Number 8

ISSN 2200-7865 (Print) ISSN: 2200-7873 (Online) http://uwainsl.blogspot.com/p/uwa-studies-in-virtual-arts.html

Jay Jay Jegathesan (SL pseudonym: JayJay Zifanwe), Project Director, Co-curatorD. A. Newton (SL pseudonym: FreeWee Ling), UWA Honorary Research Fellow, Lead Curator, and General Editor

Copyright © 2012 by D.A. Newton. All rights to the original works depicted are owned by their respective creators, and images thereof are used by their permission. All text and images by D.A. Newton/FreeWee Ling unless otherwise noted.

Contact:Jay Jay JegathesanSchool of PhysicsThe University of Western Australia (M013)35 Stirling HighwayCrawley WA 6009AustraliaEmail: jay.jay@uwa.edu.au

UWA Studies in Virtual Arts comprise exhibition catalogues, special editions, and monographs on the arts in virtual worlds. Focus is especially upon the 3D art competi-tions held at UWA’s virtual campus in Second Life.

CitationContributors retain intellectual property rights to their material and may re-publish it provided that UWA SiVA is acknowledged as the original place of publication. Material in UWA SiVA may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-profit use for the purposes of education research, library reference, or stored and/or distributed as a public service by any networked computer. Any commercial use of this journal in whole or in part by any means is strictly prohibited without written permission. Any use of this journal in whole or in part should include customary bibliographic citation.

“Second Life®”and “Linden Lab®” are trademarks of Linden Research, Inc. The univer-sity of Western Australia and UWA SiVA are not affiliated with or sponsored by Linden Research.

ContentsIntroduction

The Work

2012 is the third year of 3D virtual art challenges at the Uni-versity of Western Australia’s virtual gallery in Second Life® (SL™). Through these competitions, UWA in SL is recog-nized worldwide as one of the preeminent venues for the pre-sentation of virtual arts.

This year we featured two separate and non-concurrent art challenges: the UWA 3D Artists’ Choice Challenges, and the UWA Centenary 3D Art Challenge. From January through March and August through December, we will feature monthly sponsored theme challenges, featuring these themes:

• January ~ 3D Self Portraits• February ~ Perfume• March ~ Music• August ~ Air• September ~ Water• October ~ Fire• November ~ Earth• December ~ Triptych

From April through July we held a single major open com-petition in celebration of the Centenary of UWA, with L$550,000 Lindens (about $2200 USD) in art prizes and L$775,000 ($3,400 USD) for “MachinimUWA V,” a related animated film competition.

For the UWA Artists’ Choice challenges, a different theme is announced each month, but the core theme is personal ex-pression. We want the artist to use this as an opportunity to explore some aspect of their personality, not only as a creative artist, but also as a critical observer.

An essential difference in these shows is the judging. When artists submit an entry they agree to serve also as a judge for the prize awards. Thus the awards are determined by the recipients’ colleagues, making this a unique process of con-sensus among peers rather than a critical adjudication by an outside panel.

As with most UWA challenges, participation is open to anyone and no qualification is required. There are technical limits to the number of parts contained in an object and to server load. There is no size limit except to the extent that it impedes our ability to show other work or impacts other activities of the university. We accomodate video and audio media streaming, sound and light emitters, motion scripting, etc. Often we are confronted with work that presents special difficulties in presenting it properly. But we do whatever we can within reason to work with artsts to support their visions.

We want to acknowledge the generosity of our patrons and sponsors for this year’s projects:

• Jay Jay Jegathesan (JayJay Zifanwe), Prof. Ted Snell, and the University of Western Australia

• Flora Nordenskiold for Nordan om Jorden• Armany Thursday and Dyce Underwood for DNA Art

and Music Fusion• Eliza Wierwight and Patron• Cherry Manga and Anley Piers for Mysterious Wave• Ginger Alsop and Phi Designs• Zachh Cale and projectZ• and special donations by anonymous donors

AWARDS FOR THE UWA ARTISTS’ CHOICE CHALLENGE: TRIPTYCH

As chosen by consensus of the participating artists:

First Place Award (L$7000): LUMINA by Thoth Jantzen

Second Place Award (L$5000): FROZEN BEGINNINGS by Carmsie Melodie

Third Place Award (L$3000): THE ARTISTS’ STUDIO by Krystali Rabeni

Non-Scripted Award (L$3000): THE ARTISTS’ STUDIO by Krystali Rabeni

As chosen by public voting:

People’s Choice Award (L$2000): LUMINA by Thoth Jantzen

Introduction

The Hindu Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Sculptures at the Ellora Caves near Aurangabad, India.

For the eighth and final round of the 2012 UWA Artists’ Choice Challenge we conclude the year and the series with the theme, “TRIPTYCH.” These theme challenges were host-ed and curated by FreeWee Ling, Honorary Research Fellow, University of Western Australia. Jay Jay Jegathesan (SL: JayJay Zifanwe) is the founder and project director of the UWA pres-ence in Second Life.

Triptychs are normally 2D paintings or photographs.But the challenge here is to render a triptych in 3D virtual art. The UWA art challenges are open entry, which means artists may interpret the theme any way they wish. All entries that otherwise conform to the rules are accepted. Our themes are always delib-erately vague to allow artists the broadest possible interpretation.

Triptych is from a Greek work meaning simply “three-fold.” In western art traditions beginning in the Middle Ages, a tryptich form has often been used, especially in altar pieces. In its most basic form, a triptych consists of three panels, often hinged to-

gether to be closed for transport or when not in use. Probably the most famous triptych is “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch (Netherlands, ca.1504).

A triptych may be a single idea divided, or is can be three ideas connected. It can be a scene simply divided into three sections. Or it can be separate, related scenes as in the Bosch example.

Venn diagrams often show triple elements. For example, you might have people who own dogs, people who own cats, or people who own both dogs and cats. With 2 overlapping sets, you have Set A, Set B, and a third set of members that belong to both A and B.

In a 3-way diagram the number of permutations becomes 7. In Western culture the number 3 is associated strongly with Christianity. Any important triune subject may be considered

in its seven permutations (assuming AB is an equivalent rela-tionship to BA, etc.):

1. A2. B3. C4. AB5. AC6. BC7. ABC

Similarly:

• Truth• Beauty• Goodness• Truth <> Beauty• Truth <> Goodness• Beauty <> Goodness• Truth <> Beauty <> Goodness

or owners of:

• cats• dogs• fish• cats and dogs• cats and fish• dogs and fish• cats and dogs and fish

There is, of course, an implied 4th group: those who own nei-ther dogs nor cats nor fish (a null set). But generally we compare things, not nothings.

The overlapping part of an equal 2-way Venn diagram forms a powerful symbol: the vesica piscis, an ancient symbol of Christian-ity, but also suggestive of feminine gender. There are numerous examples of triptych altar pieces in Christian churches that include the vesica piscis shape as an aureola (a kind of halo-cartouche) sur-rounding a central figure.

Three stages in the development of some thing or idea:

• a caterpillar, pupa, and butterfly• tree, paper, book• egg, fetus, child• child, adult, elder• idea, sketch, product

Three aspects or perspectives of the same thing (axes):

• front-back• left-right• top-bottom

Fractals or scale: Focus on some minute part of something, then on more of it, then on all of it:

• Finger, arm, body• Sandcastle, beach, seashore• A machinist creating a cog, the motor it goes with, the

automobile that encompasses both• Note, interval, chord

A variation of the vesica piscis is the triquetra, the intersection of three semicircles sometimes used in Celtic knotwork design.

Trios:

• 3 Graces• 3 Musketeers• 3 Stooges• 3 Blind Mice• 3 Bears• 3 Little Pigs• Truth, Beauty, Goodness• Rock, paper, scissors• Knife, fork, spoon

Basic traffic signal: red=stop, yellow=caution, green=go.

An ornate 16th century Cretan altar triptych by Georgios Klontzas. Altar triptychs were often made of a central frame with hinged wings on either side that could be closed when not in use.

“Triptych of Ghouls,” a contemporary image of Japanese demons by Brooklyn (USA) artist E. Hollinger.

The WorkBarbara Wardell ~ The Garden

Barbara Wardell ~ Through the Window

Carmsie Melodie ~ Bound by Definition

WINNER Second Place Award: Carmsie Melodie ~ Frozen Beginnings

Corcosman Voom ~ Heart and Soul

Corcosman Voom ~ Treeptych

Dusty Canning ~ Three Wise Maidens

FreeWee ~ Kyrie

FreeWee ~ Triskelions

Herbie Haven ~ Shadow of the past

Herbie Haven ~ Heart in hand

Jeneve Felwitch ~ Radish

WINNER Third Place and Non-Scripted Awards: Krystali Rabeni ~ The Artists’ Studio

Misprint Thursday ~ Three Card Poker

Secret Rage ~ Two=Company

Secret Rage ~ Primarily

SerenVide ~ Her & Her & Her

Silene Christen ~ Modern Sacrifice

Talia Sunsong ~ Traveling the Universe in Balance

Talia Sunsong ~ Examining Different Aspects of Myself

WINNER First Place and People’s Choice Awards: Thoth Jantzen ~ Lumina

Thoth Jantzen ~ Three Haiku

Barbara Wardell ~ The Garden

A beautiful garden surreal, where you can relax. Imagine the wind in the trees, birdsong , the smell of vegetation. Imagine in the garden ....

~ Barbara

Barbara Wardell ~ Through the Window

Throughout our life, we see the triptychs, at one time or another, in any location.

We do not do not always pay attention.

Here is shown a window with a view of the outside.

~ Barbara

Carmsie Melodie ~ Bound by Definition

When researching the meaning of triptych I found most examples were on flat panels or in frames. 'Bound by Definition' is a 3D response to the commonly accepted 2D depiction.

~Carmsie

Carmsie Melodie ~ Frozen Beginnings

'Frozen Beginnings' stems from a rl art concept I've had in my mind for several years. I decided it was time to upload it from my head into SL. This is my first attempt at a Steam Punk genre creation. Ok it's not as aged/rusty as most Steam Punk things but, hey, it's got pipes and smoke! Click they key to animate and hear sounds. Many thanks to Struthious Resident for the expert scripting help.

~ Carmsie

Corcosman Voom ~ Heart and Soul

an original prim sculpture with what I hope is some subtle movement, a sit anim and camera offset.

~ Corcosman

Corcosman Voom ~ Treeptych

An original prim sculpture that started with the colors red, blue and yellow.

~ Corcosman

Dusty Canning ~ Three Wise Maidens

Basic advice for all primates . . .

No, No, No !

~ Dusty

FreeWee Ling ~ Kyrie

This large construction is a simple set of three nested alcoves or apses. It’s approximately 31 meters tall and served as a sort of anchor in the back corner of the TRIPTYCH exhibition.

In Catholic liturgy the mass begins with the supplications “Lord have mercy” and “Christ have mercy” in an ABA pattern, each phrase repeated 3 times in a classic triptych pattern.

Kyrie eleison, Kyrie eleison, Kyrie eleisonChriste eleison, Christe eleison, Christe eleisonKyrie eleison, Kyrie eleison, Kyrie eleison

It's an acknowledgment of the circumstances of temporal life as a miserable sinner. The first step towards atonement.

I am not a Christian, but certain ideas of many religions inspire meditation and insight.

~ FreeWee

FreeWee Ling ~ Triskelions

“Triskelions” is an interactive installation. Upon touching the object or approaching certain locations along a defined path, a rotating triskelion within a wheel is rezzed (with a “whooping” sound and particle bursts) and proceeds to run across the sim, encountering a couple of ramps along the way. The rotation speed is a random variable, so each triskelion follows a somewhat different path and has more or less energy to climb the ramps. There is a particle emitter on the wheel rims that leaves a trace of the spiral path it takes. The piece is especially fun when several wheels are generated in quick succession so they will tend to collide.

The triskelion is and ancient symbol seen especially on ancient Greek and Celtic art. Its origins are obscure, but one can imagine triplicity as a powerful symbol. Triadic images pervades many cultures throughout history.

~ FreeWee

Scripted mannequins were set along the triskelion path. They turn to watch the wheels as they go by.

Herbie Haven ~ Shadow of the past

Herbie Haven ~ Heart in hand

Jeneve Felwitch ~ Radish

I am in love with fractals and wish there was a way to build them in world without using a million prims.

~ Jeneve

Krystali Rabeni ~ The Artists’ Studio

The Artists' Studio represents how an idea can become real. I'd like to think there is an artists studio in all of us.

~ Krystali

Misprint Thursday ~ Three Card Poker: media sketch of a hand worth keeping

In the game of three card poker a hand of Queen, Six, Four or higher is worth betting on and keeping.

In the game of life when you find that hand is it luck or skill?

Either way ante up.

~ Misprint

Secret Rage ~ Two=Company

...but somehow there are always 3 in the way: id, ego, and super ego.

~ Secret

Secret Rage ~ Primarily

Most necessities in life are straightforward... or are they?

~ Secret

SerenVide ~ Her & Her & Her

Faces matter and I wanted to walk through giant ones. Each a bit different so the interaction between them as you walk through will set up some pattern interference, so, please walk slowly.

~ Seren Vide

Silene Christen ~ Modern Sacrifice

Triptychs were widely used in the Gothic Middle Ages to represent characters and situations from the Bible. One of the scenes most represented is the passion of Christ. Updating the message, I think the housewives—no insurance, no paid work—are the great sacrificed of society in a while. This work is a tribute to them.

~ Silene

Talia Sunsong ~ Traveling the Universe in Balance

Sun is heat, warmth, energy, large, bold, an anchor and a mainstay. Moon woman flies between the worlds, a place of mystery and rest. Earth woman jogs along, living, breathing, creating life and living it. The three woman travel the epic journey around the Milky Way and the universe as friends, balancing each other.

~ Talia

Talia Sunsong ~ Examining Different Aspects of Myself

Different parts of me strive for my attention. The ideas and feelings are ever flowing, and ever changing blending into my place in the universe.

~ Talia

Thoth Jantzen ~ Lumina

[N.B. There are many aspects of this work that cannot be conveyed in still images. It uses streaming video as surface textures, resulting in constantly shifting patterns and colors over many of the surfaces, and the spiral outer structure rotates. - Ed.]

Lumina is an immersive media sculpture consisting of three main components:

1. Immersive media tunnel of light

2. Spinning media-rod star display (inside, at back of tunnel)

3. Counter-rotating media spiral enveloping the main structure

The exhibit is meant to be both immersively experienced from within, and also observed in detail, both inside and out. It represents the 3rd iteration of experiments with media on rods.

The Media:

For this display, three different videos have been selected for a continually looping playlist. Each interacts with the structure(s) in different interesting ways. The videos are, in order:

1. YourTube - Machinima by Betty Tureaud and Ultraviolet Alter (music).

2. Moonrocket - Video by Misprint Thursday of her dancing in the dark with LED gloves to Valerna's "Moonrocket" music track. An experiment that turns out to be perfect for this work.

3. Candytron - A great 'demoscene' video by the Farbrausch demo team.

~ Toth

Thoth Jantzen ~ Three HaikuA small display with three haiku. Touch a lantern and one will be read to you; each lantern has a different one.

~ Thoth

fleeing butterfly; a warm summer's day takes wing with a child's delight.

touch the rose of love... pricked, we bleed upon our sleeves; cut, we hide the scar.

spellbound she holds me, sweet mysteries unfolding; she reigns over me.