Nordan Art: A Retrospective 2010 to 2011 by Nordan Art

“Ballet of Scissors,” by Igor Ballyhoo

Nordan Art: A Retrospective 2010 to 2011 Text by Flora Nordenskiold Edited by Huckleberry Hax With an Introduction by Igor Ballyhoo Cover Photos by Igor Ballyhoo

Contents Foreword by Igor Ballyhoo Acknowledgements by Flora Nordenskiold Nordan Art Prize 2011 by Flora Nordenskiold First Period: July 23 to September 10, 2010 nessuno Myoo Paola Tauber treebee Withnail Second Period: September 18 to November 12, 2010 Kicca Igaly Natsha Lemton Del May Bliss Violet Third Period: November 20, 2010 to January 15, 2011 typote Beck Syn Beresford Feathers Boa soror Nishi

Fourth Period: January 22 to February 22, 2011 Betty Tureaud Fifth Period: March 12 to April 30, 2011 Rebeca Bashly Rose Borchovski Helene Lytton Sixth Period: May 7 to July 2, 2011 Simotron Aquila Claudia222 Jewell Paola Tauber Shellina Winkler Seventh Period: July 9 to September 10, 2011 Theoretical Afterthought Igor Ballyhoo Cherry Manga Anley Piers lalie Sorbet Afterword by Huckleberry Hax

Foreword When I met Flora for the first time, she had a really small gallery, but ambition and love for art size of Gargantua. She dreamed of making decent gallery where THE best SL art would be presented and I must admit I was skeptical. For her it was not about glory or money, it was driven simply by her selfish hedonistic love for art. I was charmed with this ambition of hers, taste for art that was so obvious in everything she would point to and dedication to her dream that I decided to help it by making her gallery building for free. It was not easy, she knew exactly what she wanted and what she didn't want but after a while we got there and Nordan Art Gallery was made. At that point, I was still not sure how it would develop further, it was on her to make next moves. And she did. In past year, first year of Nordan, gallery become brand of quality art and one of those that artists put in their biography with big prideâ&#x20AC;Ś Pages that you are about to enjoy are making of future art history, my congratulations to all of you that recognize that on excellent taste and vision.

Igor Ballyhoo

Acknowledgements I would like to thank Huckleberry Hax, the co-editor of Nordan Art: A Retrospective 2010 to 2011, for his idea to create the book in the first place. Since he came up with this idea, he has been tireless in his efforts to pull it all together. It eventually dawned on me, that a Nordan Art book would be a great celebration of the gallery and of the artists themselves. I want to thank Igor Ballyhoo. For building the gallery, for creating the most incredible builds in Second Life, for his kindness and generosity. And for constantly challenging me beyond what I ever thought was possible. Many thanks to the artists who have exhibited at Nordan Art for this past year. Without you there would not have been a Nordan Art. Your creations made this place what it is today. I feel honored and privileged to have been given the opportunity to be part of each of your worlds. Flora Nordenskiold

Nordan Art Prize 2011

The Nordan Art Prize 2011 was awarded to two winners selected by a jury from the group of artists who exhbited at Nordan Art from July 23, 2010 to July 23, 2011. The jury who made the selection consisted of FreeWee Ling, constructivIST Solo, Eliza Wierwight and myself. We excluded for consideration for the prize artists who were no longer in Second Life. The winners of the first yearly Nordan Art Prize were Rebeca Bashly and claudia222 Jewell, each received $L25,000. These two individuals had proven tireless in their dedication to their creative work in Second Life, constantly looking for new ways to challenge themselves and learn more about the process. The quality of these artists' work was outstanding. Congratulations both. Flora Nordenskiold

First Exhibit Period: July 23 to September 10, 2010

neussuno Myoo was the first artists who agreed to show his work at Nordan Art. He builds mostly sculptures, robust, yet also somehow delicate in expression, often with a musical theme. nessuno has won awards at UWA, exhibited widely in Second Life and his White Gallery can be found at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Battlestar/33/92/22.

“Red Mask,” by nessuno Myoo

Paola is the only artist who exhibited twice at Nordan Art this year. Her photographs portrait mostly women, they are beautifully sensual with an edge. Paola is also the Creative Director at AVENUE Magazine and her p:Arte Gallery, part of the East River Community, can be found at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Grizedale/142/11/31.

“Albachiara,” by Paola Tauber

treebee Withnail had never shown her work at a gallery before Nordan Art. Her work is colorful and bold, playful in a sort of futuristic way. treebee also owns the U-Neek Shop where she creates and sells punk-funk clothes, skin and hair. The store can be found at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Artisan/35/77/22.

“Knackers Yard,” by treebee Withnail Picture by Flora Nordenskiold

Second Exhibit Period: September 18 to November 12, 2010

Kicca Igaly had exhibited widely in Second Life before she showed her work at Nordan Art. She creates the most beautiful works, usually sculptures or digital art. There is something modern and immediately recognizable about Kicca's creations, she has clearly developed her own style. The Kicca Igaly Artwork's Gallery can be found at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Battlestar/62/56/22.

“A Beating of Wings,” by Kicca Igaly

I had admired Natsha Lemton's work for a long time before I finally asked her to show at Nordan Art. Her work is feminine and seductive, she uses fractals and gorgeous colors to create playful fantasy products. Natsha is widely recognized in the Second Life art community and she shows her work at numerous galleries, one of them, Modavia Fashion Marketing, can be found at http://slurl.com/secondlife//70/128/22

"22: Barbie Attache Moi," by Natsha Lemton Picture by Flora Nordenskiold

Del May created poses in Second Life before she got into photography. Her photography is dark and on edge, usually depicting women in various poses. Meanwhile, Del is well recognized in the Second Life art community for her unusual photography. She continues her successful pose business as well. Del presently shows her work at Modavia Fashion Marketing, check it out at http://slurl.com/secondlife/MODAVIA/48/218/22.

“Get Attachment,” by Del May

Bliss Violet had never shown her work at a gallery before Nordan Art. Her work consists of large statues of images of women enveloped in all kinds of fantasy creations. Bliss has truly found her own unique style. She presently shows her work at UTSA Art Space, as part of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Snowcrashâ&#x20AC;? exhibit, which can be found here http://slurl.com/secondlife/UTSA Roadrunner II/8/222/22.

“Nesting,” by Bliss Violet

Third Exhibit Period: November 20, 2010 to January 5, 2011

typote Beck is a well-known artist in Second Life. He creates the most unusual drawings, paintings and sculptures, sometimes he integrates movement as well. There is something playful and very unique about typote's creations, which makes them immediately recognizable as his work. His gallery, Studio Eg g , can be found at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Torva/138/154/3246.

“House of Arts,” by typote Beck

Syn Beresford was a newcomer to the Second Life art scene when she first exhibited at Nordan Art. It was in her store, +Skin Deep:+ +Little Pricks+, that I first noticed her work and then asked her to exhibit. Syn is a builder, creator and photographer in Second Life. Her photography is dramatically beautiful and dark, she usually depicts women. Check out Syn's store, where she sells mostly tattoos and piercings, at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Huntress/62/40/23.

“In Stereo,” by Syn Beresford

Feathers Boa had been active in the Second Life art community for a long time before she exhibited at Nordan Art. Her work is varied; photography, paintings, drawings, statues and fractals. A large part of Feathers work is interactive, meaning that when you go up close to it, it changes its appearance. Her gallery, Feathers Bay-Gallery, can be found here http://slurl.com/secondlife/Esterhal/254/253/851.

“Elemental,” by Feathers Boa

A while ago, soror's work was part of a sim called The Companion. I was completely captivated by her creations there and asked her to show at Nordan Art. soror's work consists mostly of large, incredibly beautiful trees. She has exhibited widely in Second Life and won numerous UWA awards. Some of soror's work can be found here http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tkachiev/39/222/902.

“Pink Fig,” by soror Nishi

Trill Zapatero had exhibited in Second Life before she showed her work at Nordan Art. Her work is abstract and colorful. Trill won a UWA award for her work Paintarium, which she was showing at Nordan Art at the same time. In addition to painting, she also has a clothing store, BoHo HoBo, (all proceeds go to RAWA, to build schools, clinics, literacy programs in Afghanistan), where all creations are made by her. Go check out her work at http://slurl.com/secondlife/UTSA Roadrunner I/40/180/35.

“Paintarium,” by Trill Zapatero

Fourth Exhibit Period: January 22 to February 22, 2011

Betty Tureaud was the first and so far only artist with a one month solo exhibit at Nordan Art. She was already acclaimed in the Second Life art community, having exhibited widely and won UWA awards. Betty's work is large. It is colorful and bold, often with interactive features. She has her own gallery, Nomanisan Straits Art Collection and Gallery, where one can view Betty's and other artist's work: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nomanisan%20Straits/236/173/5.

"Crashing Robot," by Betty Tureaud

Fifth Exhibit Period: March 12 to April 30, 2011

Before exhibiting at Nordan Art, Rebeca Bashly was part of a major collaboration with Igor Ballyhoo, Snowcrash at UTSA. At Nordan Art, Rebeca showed her fine statues; these were ice statues, very delicate, usually depicting woman in various forms. Presently, she is showing her statues at her own galley, Ice Gallery, go check it out at http://slurl.com/secondlife/UTSA Roadrunner II/134/126/1540.

“Ice...ice...heart,” by Rebeca Bashly

Rose Borchovski is a veteran in the Second Life art community and it was a great honor for me when she agreed to show her work at Nordan Art. She has been active creating the Susa Bubble story in Second Life since 2007 and shows her work on her own sim,Two Fish (1). Go and check out her installation at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cariacou/95/116/22.

“Memories (Susa Statue),” by Rose Borchovski Picture by Tim Deschanel 51

Helene Lytton's first exhibit was at Nordan Art. Her photographs, sensual, subtly provocative and gently stimulating the senses, took the Nordan Art audience by storm. Presently, Helene has an exhibit, Liquid Landscapes, at The OrCafe. Please check it out at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Devilbrook/13/138/23.

“First Time We Met,” by Helene Lytton

Sixth Exhibit Period: May 7 to July 2, 2011

Simotron Aquila exhibited for the first time in Second Life at Nordan Art. Her work consists of clean lines and modern shapes. Simotron's creations may appear childlike and simple at first glance, but ultimately turn out to represent complex metaphorical experiences. She will most likely show her work at the Yarn Factory Art Projects next, please check it out at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Loki/121/17/29. 56

“Aero 1,” by Simotron Aquila Picture by Huckleberry Hax

Claudia222 Jewell had shown her work at Pirats and won a UWA award before she exhibited at Nordan Art. Her creations are unlike anything seen before in Second Life. Flying birds with human child faces, human organs of all kinds and organic vegetation describes some of her work. Claudia works at Farstar New Earth, go check out her work at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Farstar%20New%20Earth/61/132/34.

“Fauna and Flora,” by Claudia222 Jewell Picture by Huckleberry Hax

Paola Tauber is the only artist exhibiting twice at Nordan Art this year. Her photographs, portrait mostly women, they are beautifully sensual with an edge. Paola is also the Creative Director at AVENUE Magazine and her p:Arte Gallery, part of the East River Community, can be found at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Grizedale/142/11/31.

“Pascha,” by Paola Tauber

Shellina Winkler had exhibited widely in Second Life before showing her work at Nordan Art. Her creations are generally large and interactive, stimulating the viewers curiosity. Shellina has had her own gallery for many years, most of her work can be seen there. Go check out the Knot Art Gallery at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Dreamworld%20Crystal/57/227/22.

“All Rules Disrupted... The Chess Revolution,” by Shellina Winkler Picture by Huckleberry Hax

Seventh Exhibit Period: July 9 to September 10, 2011

Theoretical Afterthought exhibited in Second Life before she showed her work at Nordan Art. She started off creating eyes and skins, which she is now selling at various locations in Second Life. Theoretical's large images are usually of women's heads; colorful, intriguing and strangely beautiful. She is presently showing at various locations, but has a permanent exhibit at Branwen Art Space, please check it out at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bran/89/108/3502.

"Stem," by Theoretical Afterthought Picture by Huckleberry Hax

Igor Ballyhoo had exhibited widely before showing his work at Nordan Art. He has won countless awards. Igor's work is usually dark, with a surreal edge, and full of meaning and beauty. He is well-known for only using his own high quality textures. Igor's work can be seen at numerous places in Second Life, one of them is Snowcrash at http://slurl.com/secondlife/UTSA%20Roadrunner%20II/125/35/21.

“Forgotten Memories,” by Igor Ballyhoo

Cherry Manga had exhibited widely and won numerous UWA awards before she came to Nordan Art. Her work usually consists of large installations, hauntingly dreamlike and beautiful. Cherry works closely with Anley Piers and the two have created a sim, M ys t e r i o u s Wa v e , t o g e t h e r. Go c h e c k i t o u t a t http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zone/211/128/22.

"Soul," by Cherry Manga Picture by Huckleberry Hax

Anley Piers had exhibited widely in Second Life before showing her work at Nordan Art. Her creations are large, dreamlike and with organic elements. Anley works closely with Cherry Manga and the two have created a sim, Mysterious Wave, together. Go check it out at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zone/211/128/22.

“Paradise at the End of the Fingers,” by Anley Piers Picture by Huckleberry Hax

Lalie Sorbet had not exhibited before she showed her work at Nordan Art. Her macrophotography is exquisite, exploring the world of insects and plants close up. Lalie has not shared with me any plans for exhibitions, but I wouldn't be surprised if we will see her work at other galleries in the future as well.

“Hidden Beauty,” by Lalie Sorbet

Afterword

The first time I ever spoke to anyone in SL, I was in an art gallery a few sims south-east of Bear. I don't recall much about it other than that it was mostly 2D art on the walls, but it was significant to me that three weeks or so of silence during my rather nervous exploration of this world had come to an end in that place. In that place. I remember being suddenly taken aback by the feeling later that day that I'd actually been somewhere. Up until that point, my experience of SL had been one of considerable disorientation; this moment, therefore, marked not just the start of social interaction for me, but the beginning of immersion. Immersion is the secret ingredient of SL, without which it just doesn't make sense. It's like the phantom limb that no prosthesis can work without. Now, many years later, it's been a privilege to work with Flora Nordenskiold on a book celebrating a year of exhibitions at her gallery, Nordan Art. I think Flora probably understands more than any other person I've met that the immersive experience of looking at art is important in and of itself. Sure, I can look at 2D art on a web page; but standing in a spacious, high ceilinged room with the sound of water fountains outside, it just feels different. Of course, it's not just 2D art that can be experienced at Nordan: as you will have seen in the preceding pages, this is a space in which art of all forms can be encountered, the only commonality being its extraordinary high quality. Since my first visit, I've experienced exhibitions demonstrating an amazing range of creativity and I now look forward to each new exhibition period with great excitement. I hope you have enjoyed this book - a souvenir of a memorable year - and that you will continue to visit and enjoy Nordan Art. Huckleberry Hax

Nordan Art Exhibitors 2010 to 2011 Theoretical Afterthought Simotron Aquila Igor Ballyhoo Rebeca Bashly typote Beck Syn Beresford Feathers Boa Rose Borchovski Kicca Igaly Claudia222 Jewell Natsha Lemton Helene Lytton Cherry Manga Del May nessuno Myoo soror Nishi Anley Piers lalie Sorbet Paola Tauber Betty Tureaud Bliss Violet Shellina Winkler treebee Withnail Trill Zapatero