TOUGH MAN in the PRESS

 

image by Fenella Allen

Fenella Allen wrote an interesting analysis in her latest Limoncello News (edition 31) about the present exhibition TOUGH MAN by Hilaire Beaumont @ Nitroglobus. I quote here somes lines, although I recommend to read the entire article.

'The images on show are well-composed, strongly executed and grab the viewer's attention. They focus eyes and minds on Hemingwayesque subjects. So feminised is post-modern Western Culture that "male" and "bad" are often – let's be honest – confused. When did you last see the noun "masculinity" without the adjective "toxic", for example? Men like those in Hilaire's images only feature in plays, movies, art or even advertising as threats – as "bad guys". And even though they're often just like our beloved dads or brothers, we don't seem to question that much.
So maybe a surprised reaction is necessary and overdue? Don't misunderstand us. We're not saying the exhibition was meant (or that we see it) as a lecture, sermon or battle cry. Just that, perhaps, the very notion of manhood needs a fresh look?'....................................'

*****

image by Frank Atisso

ART KORNER published an article about Hilaire's exhibition TOUGH MAN on 12 August. 

Although I copied part of the article here, I strongly recommend to read the entire article! 

'The men in Hilaire’s images may appear strong and invincible at first glance but when you look deeper there are layers to each image which you will uncover. Beneath the steely exterior of these tough men, there is an ocean of emotions… and that is the true beauty of Hilaire’s work. He manages to bring out the subtle hints of emotion which pierce through this mask of toughness worn by these men.

“Act tough and hide your weakness” – a rigid social construct that has been subconsciously imbued in the minds of most men leaves many feeling trapped all over the world. The pressure of presenting a tough exterior is immense and can have devastating effects on the health and well being of men who have been forced by the society to bury their emotions.....................'

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image made by Inara

Because I went on a short RL holiday on 12 August I totally missed Inara Pey's thorough analysis of Hilaire's exhibition 'The vunerability of a tough man', which she posted that same day in her blog 'Living in a Modem World.' Love this review a lot.   

'Hilaire is well-know for his avatar studies, although he does not tend to exhibit that often in-world – something that makes Tough Man even more appealing. He also does not regard himself as an artist – a point I would dispute, because his works contain all the richness to be found in any true work of art, not just from a technical perspective: framing, lighting, colour, etc., but because of the sheer depth of story each and every image carries with it, together with the richness of life, vitality and emotion each conveys.

This is doubtless in part because of his background in role-play in Second Life. Creating and inhabiting a character is very much an artform it itself; bringing that character to life such that they can be believed and interacted with requires a strength of imagination and willingness to emote and remain in character. Coming from that background gives Hilaire, I would suggest, a deeper connection with his characters, and this is evidenced in the twelve images presented in this selection........'

*****

image by Diomita Maurer

Today, 20 August, another interesting review was published by Diomita Maurer in her blog 'Diomita and Jenny Maurer’s Blog' of the present exhibition @ Nitroglobus by Hilaire Beaumont.
Thanks so much Diomita, appreciate a lot!

'The exhibtion consits of 13 pictures. And at this gallery the pictures can develop strength as they are mirrored on the floor. What are the pictures about? Not surprise, they all show a tough man as the main object. Hilaire shows his avatar as a fighter, as a soldier in varoius epochs, as strong tough man. Other pictures are in our epoch and just show the tough man, not a soldier or fighter.
But there’s also some wit: one picture shows him wearing a gun pointing at a little angel with a bow. Hilaire also shows the other, softer side. The side that a tough man tries to hide as it doesn’t fit to the cliché: playing a violin, or listening music while looking out into the nature, lost in thoughts.

'Tough man' by Hilaire Beaumont is the kind of exhibtion you rarely see in Second Life. The pictures are impressive and thoughtfully made and selected. Thank you for your art, Hilaire.'

*****

Interesting to read these different analyses by Fenella, Frank, Inara and Diomita of the August exhibition @ Nitroglobus.

Want to see for yourself? Here's your taxi to the gallery.

In the Press Anja's Surrealism exhibition - June 2021

image by Anja Neobookie

Presenting an overview of all the reviews, articles in magazines and blogs as well as a short video which were published about the June 2021 exhibition 'Anja's Surrealism' by Anja Neobookie @ Nitroglobus. 

First article that was published was Inara Pey's review in her blog Living in a Modem World, in which she gave a thorough analysis of the Anja's images 

'On display is the most stunning display of surrealist art it has been my pleasure to witness, one that fully embraces the core principals of the movement whilst encompassing broader photographic and artistic techniques and commentary. 

Through her work, Anja is able to touch on subjects in her images in a way that is entirely non-directive. Take Free Willy, Survivors, and Wrong Shipping for example, with their subtle suggestions of our relationship with the world around us.

Elsewhere might be found commentary on the human condition – life and relationships – and an embracing of technique such as fata morgana and chiaroscuro that is simply captivating...... '

image by Inara Pey

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At the same day I published in my blog 'Exploring SL with Dido' the official poster as well as all the necessary information about the exhibition an the artist. Information which is also to be found at entrance point in the gallery.

awesome poster made by David Silence, based on an image of Anja 

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image by Frank Atisso

On 11th June another awesome article was published by Frank Atisso in Art Korner in which he too analyzed Anja's work in depth.

'The vibrant colors and a touch of magic that Anja applies in her works are what appeal to the viewer in this stunning exhibition at the Nitroglobus Roof Gallery.

Anja associates a story with each work she creates. For example, “They all left the playfield” is a personal work which Anja developed to project her thoughts on canvas about the slightly negative political situation at the place where she stays in RL. Her story, thoughts and feelings might be different from the one you develop in your mind as you look at each artwork. But then isn’t this the beauty of art? The fact that each viewer is able to associate Anja’s artwork with situations in his or her life and can derive meaningful analogies so varied and different from each other.'

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image made by Fenella Allen when she visited the opening party 

Fenella Allen wrote in Edition 22 of Limoncello News in the column 'Elsewhere on the Arty Grid' the following: 

'Inside Anja's mind is a fascinating, imaginative place and she's adept at sharing it through her art. She has been working on this show for a long time. Fenella has had secret previews of the work in progress and has been bursting with pride at her friend's achievements and struggling not to blurt out the secret. She is delighted finally to be able to say; "I love Anja and I love her art. It's a great show. Go! Go now!!"

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image by Diomita

On 13th June, Diomita of Diomita and Jenny Maurer’s Blog wrote a cool post about Anja's exhibition. Diomita wrote:

 

'Like myself Anja is an explorer. She’s amazed and surprised by the beauty of the sims, islands, buildings, objects, nature and landscapes in Second Life, she’s excited about the creativity of the people that make Second Life. Her pictures are not necessarily connected to Second Life. There are elements that you might have seen in Second Life before before but there’re put together in a different way. These objects might initiate a memory of what you experienced in Second Life or in Real Life, might create an idea, a thought, a snippet of a picture. That’s all in the eyes of the spectator.'

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On pages 128-149 you will find an interview with Anja Neobookie about her June exhibition 'Anja's Surrealism' at Nitroglobus, written by Frank Atisso in this professional glossy Second Life magazine '360 Gradi'of editor Oema Resident:

'An emerging sensation in the art world of SL speaks about her remarkable journey, creating her own brand of surrealism and her latest exhibition at the Nitroglobus Gallery.'