Kondor Art Gallery

Maddy (magda.schmidtzau) says, “I venture into territories where art and technology embrace, giving life to creations that explore the very essence of human creativity and artifical intelligence.” The word “embrace” in that quote is very apt for the work she has on display entitled “Waving Virtualities” hosted in Kondor Art Gallery’s new main art gallery. Her photos, assisted by AI, are soft and humanly feminine, but also bizarre and coldly technical. The dicotomy is very provocative. And despite AI technology being the medium for Maddy’s art, it assists her in reaching true human emotional depths.

Two floors have walls lined with Maddy’s female portraits, one drastically different from the next. There are dramatic black and white portraits, and others that seem to borrow from abtract painting styles and even collage.
I wouldn’t classify this exhibit as a cohesive collection, but more an exhibit of single artworks. Each can be seen as individual images that tell their own story. And rather than the next image beginning a new chapter of the same story, it’s a brand new story of its own. I found this a bit jarring — which I have a feeling is the point — but it forced me to see each image as a unique entity unto itself. This is a very cerebral exhibit meant to ponder. And it’s definitely yet another intriguing presentation hosted by Hermes Kondor.

– Angela Thespian

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Petite Industrial Art Gallery

The Petite Industrial Art Gallery is a series of connected floors and rooms featuring the work of several artists. Part of the Summertime Art Expo, there are three floors packed with artists’ works. Owned by Prins Evergarden and Jaminda Lygon, the Petite Industrial Art Gallery was opened in February of 2022. After starting on a small plot, they moved their gallery to the mainland in partnership with Sam Raines in July 2023. Prins told me that the purpose of the gallery is “give new artists a chance to show their art.” In a notecard, Jaminda added that “The gallery is an organic space where everyone is encouraged to display their art whether they are novices or seasoned exhibitors. Each artist can express themselves as they choose rather than on “themes” with the encouragement of having fun and making the most of the space.”

The bottom floor is quite the visual maze of art. As you weave your way around, the flooring flickers in an ever-changing array of visuality. I wasn’t sure if it was interesting or distracting, but nonetheless, it was innovative, as I’d never seen this technique used in an art gallery before.
Of the more intriguing artworks are the triptychs of Kubric Flux depicting lighthouse scenes. So, go to the gallery’s top floor to see them.

Other featured artists include Gabriel Chamberlin, Jaminda Moon, Kitten Babcock, Pipsky, Raisa Reimse, and Prins himself. The collection is ever-changing, so visit the Petite Industrial Art Gallery every chance you get.

– Fynnyus

The Kondor Art Club

I found myself preparing to experience this exhibit. Before even entering the gallery, the description speaks of the private moments when you are with yourself and there is no need to hide your emotions or feelings, a time when you can let go of control. Showing at The Kondor Art Club, ‘Emotions in Motion’ by Maat (MaatHator) strips away the mask and gives the visual representation of emotions where the colors represent the intensity of the emotion. The color abstract pieces are paired with their black and white counterpart and the difference is easily felt when your eyes adjust and register what you are seeing. The color images have a way of complimenting the colors used, and the black and white pictures have a Smokey cooler essence to them in comparison.

This exhibit spoke on a level that is particularly relatable. There are moments when the desire to express what is being felt may not always feel like a safe time. The black and white mask hides the true inner need for expression. Abstract art captures its viewers’ attention for more than just a moment and provokes the focus to be drawn to what otherwise could go unnoticed if one was looking at something they were familiar with seeing. Each image gives a blurred view through a lens, that mimics the look seen through tear-filled eyes. This is a beautiful exhibit of raw and subdued emotion. A welcome refresh, cleansing experience.

– Kairi Cristole

NovaOwl Gallery

NovaOwl Gallery is currently hosting an exhibition by Ilyra Cardin. Entered via a secret doorway the Gallery has been turned into a recreation of an ancient building with the pictures displayed around a central courtyard, statues and recreated buildings envisage life as it once was. The pictures are a mixture of drawings and paintings imaging life as it was and the creatures of ancient myth that inhabited the world then. Ancient Goddesses and creatures mingled with more abstract works as well as representation of ancient life.
The ground floor displays representation of art from Egyptian, Roman and Greek civilisations as well as others. There are also digital sculptors of our ancestors scattered throughout.
I particularly like the drawing entitled ‘Black Widow’ and a picture with the name “Nyx Watches’ All.” The pictures though are exquisite and well worth the time to view. The exhibition was billed as a captivating journey through time and imagination and certainly lived up to that. My time spent exploring was worthwhile.
Ilyra Chardin is a well known artist and designer in Second Life and likes to tell a story through her art work and installations.

– Joannna

ArtCare Gallery

One of the most difficult journeys beginning artists may encounter is harnessing the skill that it takes to create, building from the most basic shapes and transforming them into what they envision. For this, one must see the bigger picture before it is complete. In the exhibit ‘Geometries of the Human’ showing at ArtCare Gallery, thought-provoking and profound by nature, Scylla Rhiadra has crafted an exhibition in a perspective that acknowledges but does not give too much power to the science involved in our everyday lives. Each piece is accompanied by one or more quotes from the writings and philosophies of prominent creators like Leonardo Da Vinci, Vitruvius, Piet Mondrian, and Albrecht Dürer.

From the Program Notes Scylla expresses ‘Geometry is a tool that we use to represent, measure, and change the world around us, much as any symbolic language does. It is a human invention, and not the Mind of God traced out with a pencil, ruler, protractor, and calculator.’ This viewpoint is truly reflected in her pieces. For example, the piece titled ‘Bespoke’ is an image of a woman’s torso attached to a dress form. The expression on her face seems a little defiant in that she is more than just shapes and measurements. The pictures ‘Trajectory’ and ‘Incidence’ are purposefully placed on opposite walls, causing the experience of seeing two different vantage points.
Visit and immerse yourself in these photographs and their meaning soon!

– Kairi Cristole