Art in Second Life - Even Well Loved Exhibits Have to End

The closing party for "spirit" by claudia222 jewell was an emotional experience for Art Screamers.  We were elated to have upwards of 75 people on the maxed out sim for more than three hours as we celebrated the talents of claudia222 jewell and her magnificent "spirit."  At the same time we were all quite sad at the prospect of losing a place in Second Life that has become one of the best loved art exhibits in our 3D digital world.

Over and over we were asked why we had to close "spirit" and why we could not leave it open for people to enjoy.  I think the answer is complex.  Tier is expensive and there are not too many people crazy enough to pay $295 USD a month so other people's art can live in Second Life. If tier were more affordable would the art screamers keep "spirit" open?  Maybe and maybe not.  You see "spirit" is a labor of love for claudia and as she told the gathered crowd during the party, the work was a tribute to her father who died not that long ago.

Unlike many artists, claudia spent a great deal of her time at spirit, constantly working on the build and talking with visitors and friends.  In some ways, claudia's presence was part of "spirit" and as much as we would like the work live forever, I do think it was time for the installation to close.  It was time for the intensity of "spirit" to sleep as claudia needs and wants get back to her life.

Certainly, pieces of claudia222 work can be found elsewhere in Second Life and she has an island on cloud party where some of her objects reside.  But to equate sculptures with the immersive experience of the full sim "spirit" is to have missed the point, I think.  Claudia's "spirit" was a grand example of synergy -- the sum of the objects, the presence of the artist, the music, the mood, wearing the avatar so our own bodies became indistinguishable from the art -- this is the legacy that now lives in the memories of those lucky enough to have spent time on "spirit."

(claudia's work on cloud party)

Sometimes the collaboration between artist and curator produces magic and we would like to think "spirit" was magic. Sadly, magic moments in life are fleeting. We savor them but understand they just don't last forever.

I know I speak for the art screamer team and the tens of thousands of visitors to "spirit" when I say "We love you Claudia" and we thank you for the gift of yourself and your art.  

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This is what the art screamer sim looks like now.  Our next artist has been engaged and soon we will close to visitors as we prepare for our next installation.  We expect a grand opening late in 2012 or very early in 2013.  Watch this blog for an announcement about the next artist to be featured on the art screamer sim.