XX/XY

Mind Carlberg has a new art project named XX/XY and invites everyone to participate.

"Named like that because they look like the letters, these two chromosomes determine our gender. A famous french writer, Simone de Beauvoir, once said: “You’re not born a woman, you become a woman.” What if we mixed up all the dolls and firetrucks in the world? What if we played together with these two magic letters ?

- Ladies, find YOUR OWN WAY to look/to feel ultra-masculine.
- Gentlemen, find YOUR OWN WAY to look/to feel ultra-feminine.

The pic can be funny, of course, but this is not only about wearing makeup or a mustache. It can be more subtle, more surprising, more intimate, it can be absurd, it can be shocking, it can be conceptual… find YOUR OWN WAY.

& JOIN PICS'TRAP (SL Group, my remark)
THE BURIED MAN Love Land (SLurl)"

Mind posts the contributions he likes best to his Flickr photostream: Mind Carlberg - Flickr

The picture in this post is one of my contributions to the project, you can see the other two on my Flickr photostream (NSFW). 

"naked with a chair" - An Art Project by Mind

You all know how it is. When you login to SecondLife you are overwhelmed by notices, note cards, IM's, invitations and more. Sometimes you just click away or discard, other times you mean to read and respond later.

Well, if you are as forgetful as I am, that "sometimes" means you don't get to read important and interesting stuff, like an invitation from min cher ami Mind Carlberg to join in a fun photography project. 

Sample from Mind Carlberg's Flickr

Luckily, I was made aware of the project yesterday as I am surrounded by great photographers much of the time. One of the guys suggested we go over and take a look, as far as I could see neither my husband Tomais or my brother JJ had made a picture, nor had JJ's husband Wayne.

So when Wayne logged off to enjoy his Friday and my hubby and bro went to model in a photoshoot, I stayed on to take a nudie pic of myself and take part in the exhibition.

This morning I got an email from Mind ominously informing me "you've been framed" and thanking me for my picture. He had accepted my picture although I had informed him that I am not a photographer, merely a snapshooter.

If you want to see all the naked women and men with chairs who have taken part so far, please visit Mind Carlberg's Flickr page (url) or visit the interactive installation at THE BURIED MAN/Love Land (SLurl). While you are there why not undress and take a picture at the chair that is set up there.

The exhibition has been extended, so go, go, go!

Perhaps A Step Too Far? (NSFW)

This cute guy is Abel Azcona, a Spanish queer performance artist, who doesn't like Donald J Trump, president of the U.S.A., at all!

Recently Abel decide to show his dislike for the president in what has to be an extremely painful manner, by tattooing the words of the president’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again”, in a circle around his anus.

The tattooing of the phrase occurred in the Defibrillator Gallery in Chicago. Azcona told The Huffington Post that he considers the statement to be "a queer, political act".

If you are sure you can handle it, click Read more for a picture from the performance and the result.

A Beautiful Mind, Body and Soul

"Fedora" by Tomais Ashdene

This is a picture of my wonderful husband Tomais, that he made himself. Can you see his beautiful mind, body and soul in it? I can!

For some reason my sweet man chose not to let me share the picture by embedding it this time, so I must ask those of you who have Flickr accounts to click his name in the caption if you wish to like the picture on Flickr.  

Molly Bloom at Paris Metro Gallery

My buddy Petrolicious, to the rest of you better known as Petr Vanbeek, today told me about an exhibition he had gotten a sneak peek off.

Petr was lyrical in his description of the exhibit and convinced me that I just had to see Molly Bloom's latest exhibition at Paris Metro Gallery (SLurl).

The official opening isn't until Saturday July 2, 2016, at 12 PM (noon) SLT, but why wait... So I hauled my weary hubby Tomais along to the gallery at once.

I have to agree with Petr, I loved it! You must see this humorous, interesting and beautiful exhibit. In Petr's words, "her use of layers to create depth fascinates me".

Molly tells me that the exhibition will be there for a month, perhaps longer.

So no matter how tired you are, just go and leave invigorated and in a much better mood than when you got there.

The Closing Party at Visions of Hope

"Visions of Hope 2016", the silent art auction benefiting RFL of SL has run the month of May.

The Results/Closing party is on May 31, 2016 @ 5pm to 7pm SLT with the tunes supplied by DJ Hᴏᴛᴛɪᴇ B. (mjshotboy.skytower).

Last chance to see the amazing collection of art by the following artists: Bijou, Boudicca Amat, Ciottolina Xue, d-oo-b, Dru G. Eiren-Milneaux, Em Larsson, Hills, Inara Pey, Mareea Farrasco, Nikolai Warden, Proph, Pusher, Randy Firebrand, Ricco Saenz, Tomais Ashdene, Trinity Yazimoto and Ziki Questi. (Bids are accepted until May 30).

The silent auction was intended to raise funds for Relay For Life, a global initiative by American Cancer Society aimed at gathering donations to fight against cancer, as well as providing "a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer" and "remember loved ones lost", as the ACS webpage says. During the exhibition, the public has been able to acquire photo-based pieces as well as sculptures from some of the most renowned artists in Second Life and, at the same time, contribute with the ACS's programs to improve cancer survival, decrease the incidence of cancer and improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their caretakers. It should be noticed, too, that the actions by ACS are not restricted to the United States: lately, the Society has been contributing with initiatives to fight cancer around the world.

Take me to the Visions Of Hope Gallery (SLurl).

Artists:
Bijou
Boudicca Amat
Ciottolina Xue
d-oo-b
Dru G. Eiren-Milneaux
Em Larsson
Hills
Inara Pey
Mareea Farrasco
Nikolai Warden
Proph
Pusher
Randy Firebrand
Ricco Saenz
Tomais Ashdene
Trinity Yazimoto
Ziki Questi

RFL of SL:
- The first Relay For Life of Second Life was held in 2005. It was attended by a few hundred avatars and raised about US$ 5,000.
- In 2015, RFL of SL raised US$ 277,000.
- This year the Relay weekend will be held on July 16th and 17th. Other activities, such as the silent auction, will be organized during the year for raising funds.

Hope Haven Heroes:
- The RFL of SL team that represents Hope Haven, where the support groups for survivors and caregivers meet.

Contacts for further information:
- Randy Firebrand (in world) and Ricco Saenz (in world and via email - ricco.saenz@gmail.com).

Art Auction In Honor of Kylie & The Trace Too

Poster by Trinity Yazimoto

Art Auction: a fabulous farewell to Kylie Jaxxon

Auction start: 2nd August 2015 and ends 10th August 2015

The Trace Too (SLurl)

Kylie Jaxxon's beautiful sim, The Trace Too, is closing at the end of August as she has departed SL. Kylie created a beautiful sim that has become special to many people. Kylie was an avid blogger and somehow managed to find the most beautiful trinkets to decorate her lovely sim, then shared them with the community.

In honour of Kylie and her gorgeous work that has touched the SecondLife community, there is an art auction at her sim to celebrate her talent, and wish Kylie a fabulous and final farewell:

The auction was originally intended to raise funds to keep her beautiful sim, The Trace, open until the end of August. Due to people's generosity this goal has already been achieved, what an amazing result!

With this in mind, all proceeds from the art auction will now go to Relay for Life in Kylie's honour. This group raises money for the American Cancer Society within SL and we think it would be a very special tribute to Kylie if we could donate as many lindens as possible to this fantastic cause on her behalf. This is our way of collectively saying thank you for all that she has done for the SecondLife community, and remembering her talent.

A bunch of talented and generous artists have donated original pieces to the auction, and all their work is available for you to look at around The Trace. Each pictures has been placed as close to the location they were shot as possible. Check every corner, boat and deck to ensure that you don't miss any!

We really hope you'll join us to make this goodbye one of the best there has been in SecondLife.

Happy bidding!

---

Big thanks to Pinkrayne for the PR writing and her help for the set up.

Huge thanks to all the Trace lovers who have donated one or several pics for the auction (Eddie Haskell, Leonorah Beverly, Gidgette Adaggio, Seraphiel Galaxy, ScarlettElizabet, SereneDean, Kaelyn Alecto, Lumiette, Pearl Grey, Lo Coeur, Pinkrayne, Bamboo Barnes, Maxie Daviau, Skinninylla, Sabastian Melmoth, Hillara, Coober Galicia, Terravive, Becca, Chrysterox, Masquerade Snowbear, Lizz Avon, Rosy Highwater, Tripp Nitely) (if you are missing in the list please let me know).

An endless thank you to all the generous persons having already donated and those who will do it before the end of the month.

Thank you to you all

Thank you Kylie, for having been this so lovely person in SL (i so wish i could know you better) and for all the stunning landscapes you have offered to us for all those years.

(via Ziki Questi's blog and from Trinity Yazimoto's Flickr)  

Keep Safe with Tom of Finland

I don't usually run first life product advertisements, but once in a while I may be convinced to do so without monetary gain.

Nonetheless, when this press release from Jalo Helsinki appeared in my email, I knew I simply had to run it.

Tom of Finland and Jalo Helsinki are ready when things start getting hot at home

"Finnish fire safety company Jalo Helsinki and Tom of Finland Foundation have teamed up to create a new line of red-hot fire safety products. Four of Tom of Finland’s iconic drawings will appear on Jalo Helsinki’s fire blankets, raising the temperature on interior design goods.

The blankets can extinguish small fires, but while there are no flames, users can have Tom’s art on display to enjoy, within easy reach and in case of emergency.

“A fire blanket by nature is quite a practical application, but we also want it to be beautiful and meaningful beyond its primary function” says Olli Nuutila, CEO of Jalo Helsinki. “By launching, we want to communicate Tom of Finland’s message of love, respect, tolerance and freedom through display of our fire safety products” he adds. 

The Jalo Helsinki team worked with Tom of Finland Foundation in Los Angeles to identify inspiring and iconic drawings to grace the fire blanket covers. Dubbed The Leader, The Aviator, The Hero and The Dog are quintessential examples of the Finnish artist’s work featuring men depicted as powerful, distinctive and unafraid - notions that ran counter to the prevailing sentiment in the late 1950s when Tom of Finland drawings first started appearing.

“This collection of fire blankets is a wonderful hybrid between art and design, and further elevates Tom’s work to heroic proportions. We are honored to partner with Jalo Helsinki in making Tom’s drawings and message easily reachable and always available.“ says S.R. Sharp, Curator at Tom of Finland Foundation.

“When we started our collaboration project with Finnish designers and artists - some iconic, some emerging - we knew that we wanted Tom of Finland on the list. He represents freedom, pride, and promotes a respectful attitude towards other people. His body of work embodies this universal message that we also stand for as a company” says Nuutila.

Jalo Helsinki’s fire blankets comply with EU fire safety standard EN 1869:1997 and are available to buy online through the Jalo Helsinki shop."

Press contact:

Olli Nuutila,

CEO & Co-founder

 olli@jalohelsinki.fi

+358 40 578 0109

Media Kit

About Jalo Helsinki Jalo Helsinki is a Finnish design company turning fire safety products into beautiful design objects and improving user experience with the help of internationally famous designers. The company’s current products range from smoke alarms to fire blankets. Jalo Helsinki was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. More information: www.jalohelsinki.com

About Tom of Finland/Tom of Finland Foundation (Touko Laaksonen, Finnish 1920 - 1991), is the creator of some of the most iconic and readily recognizable imagery of post-war gay culture and is regarded as one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. He produced thousands of images beginning in the 1940s, robbing straight homophobic culture of its most virile and masculine archetypes (bikers, hoodlums, lumberjacks, cops, cowboys, and sailors) and recasting them through deft skill and imagination - unapologetic, self-aware, and boastfully proud enthusiasts of gay sex.

In 1984, the nonprofit Tom of Finland Foundation was established by Durk Dehner and Touko Laaksonen. As Tom had established worldwide recognition as the master of homo-erotic art, the Foundation’s original purpose was to preserve his vast catalog of work. Several years later the scope was widened to offer a safe haven for all art in response to rampant discrimination against work that portrayed sexual behavior or generated a sexual response. Today the Foundation continues in its efforts of educating the public as to the cultural merits of erotic art and in promoting healthier, more tolerant attitudes about sexuality. More information: www.tomoffinlandfoundation.org

Joseph Nussbaum - SP Festival Photography

Joseph Nussbaum, one of the absolute best photographers in SecondLife, has been taking pictures at the Second Pride Festival this year, and turning them into pure works of art. The photos are posted to Joseph's timeline on Facebook, but so far I have not been able to find them anywhere else. 

Here are but a few of my present favorites.

Tomais Ashdene and Bock McMillan at Second Pride
Photography by Joseph Nussbaum

Hottie B Lockjaw at Second Pride
Photography by Joseph Nussbaum

Bock McMillan at Second Pride
Photography by Joseph Nussbaum

Karl Kalchek at Second Pride
Photography by Joseph Nussbaum

Ziggy Starsmith at Second Pride
Photography by Joseph Nussbaum

If you wish to see more of Joseph's art photography 

Joseph Nussbaum on Flickr. (Some NSFW)
Joseph Nussbaum on Tumblr. (Some NSFW)

Holtwaye: Molly Bloom's “Rock 'n' Roll ” - UPDATED

Molly Bloom's “Rock 'n' Roll” opens today Saturday April 18th, 6 PM SLT, at Holtwaye Gallery, with live music by the band The Follow.

UPDATE: The time has had to be changed to 7-9 PM after the band withdrew because they were shocked by demonic naked women's tits and asses. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Kodey from 7 PM SLT and a live performance by "Down Under" from 8 PM SLT.

"Molly Bloom is known for her compelling 3D-like imagery in SL, and her latest show “Rock n Roll” at Holtwaye puts her on the map again with musically inspired pieces.  Is it possible to be raw, wild, and sophisticated simultaneously?  Seems to be here - Molly is no stranger to the rock n roll scene herself, and it shows in the compositions she’s masterfully staged.  If these images don’t literally reach out and grab you into the rock ’n roll scene, then not sure what will."  

Holtwaye Gallery (SLurl)

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That must be one of the silliest reasons for cancelling a gig that I have ever encountered in both my lives. Shame on The Follow.

My Son As Art

When I logged in yesterday I was soon hailed by my son Guyke, Prince of Paradijs (the traditional title given to the heir to the throne of the realm of Southern Charm). After the usual preliminaries he soon spilled his urgent news.

"I'm in an exhibition!", he said excitedly.
"What do you mean?", I asked, "I know you are an exhibitionist, but what exhibition are you in?"
"You remember, I told you that Ronan Mactavish asked me to pose for him? Well, the pictures are now exhibited."
"Ahh yes, of course I remember. Please send me the landmark and I will go take a look! This should be fun..."

Guyke sent me the landmark to Piazza Siciliana (SLurl) and I arrived safely at the gallery. I was a bit taken aback when I saw the name of the exhibition on the sign at the landing spot.

"Welcome to Ronan Mactavish's Uomini Nudi. Kip.. Jee.. Simon.. Latherblu.. Drey.. Guyke", my Italian isn't great but good enough to realize that I was going to be exposed to images of naked men. The boy hadn't told me that... "If he is sporting an erection I will surely accidentally drown him, even if he is the Crown Prince", I thought to myself as I took three deep breaths and prepared myself for the worst.

I decided to start with the others men in the exhibition and look at Guyke's pictures last, so I could slowly prepare myself for the possible shock.

The exhibition was however extremely tasteful and beautifully composed, so as I moved along through the different sections I felt my fear leaving me. When I finally came to the Guyke-section I was extremely happy to see Ronan's interpretation of my beloved son.

 

 I am happy to say that I can recommend this wonderful exhibition to you all.

Badass Performance Art

A 26 y.o. Russian-born performance artist, Mischa Badasyan, has announced his latest project, which is named "Save the date".

In this art project the Mischa will attempt to have sex with a different man every day for a year, starting in September. According to what the artist has told Arts.Mic, the goal of the project is to "explore the link between loneliness and casual sex", believe it or not.

To facilitate finding the 365 men he needs Mischa, who currently resides in Berlin, Germany, has downloaded the meet-up apps Grindr and Scruff, but also intends to use more traditional ways to pick up guys.

If you should wish to assist Mischa in his project and schedule a session, you can contact Mischa via email erde88@gmail.com or through F*c*book Mischa Badasyan on F*c*book

"Art is not a crime" the graffiti says. The picture is from
another of Mischa's performance projects named "Adbusters"

Now here is a challenge for our SecondLife performance artist SaveMe Oh to tackle. What on earth can she come up with to outdo this badass (Yes, this is a play on Mischa's extremely suitable surname) performance , I wonder... 

Raglan Shire Art Walk 2014. May 4th - 25th

SLurls for 2D Art:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife//129/128/23
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife//132/89/23

SLurls for 3D Art:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife//125/131/22
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife//237/168/21
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Athen%20Shire/68/233/23

SLurk to the Tree Gallery:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife//38/139/41

Gallery Assis - Experience Erotica

On Sunday afternoon (local time) I visited Eli Wallace's art gallery "Gallery Assis - Experience Erotica" (SLurl) in SecondLife.

The first thing to take in when you get there is the futuristic and beautiful architecture of the gallery itself.

The second is to make sure you find all the wonderful art photography that is exhibited there. The interior of the building is wonderfully confusing and made me think of the refrain of an old Dr. Hook song:
"And when your body's had enough of me
And I'm laying flat out on the floor
When you think I've loved you all I can
I'm gonna love you a little bit more"

The gallery exhibits many artists without bias towards sexual orientation. Yesterday there were at least three-four gay or lesbian photographers and even more heterosexual and/or unclear ones. I will show you a little of what can be seen there, but not any individual piece, because I want you all to visit and experience the gallery and the art for yourself.

"It's Mutual" by Tomais Ashdene

"Yesteryear" by Lincoln Garnet

"Men and Motors" by Benjamin Glendale

Meanwhile, at The Red Square in Moscow...

Pyotr Pavlensky, a Russian performance artist, today stripped naked and nailed his scrotum to a Red Square cobblestone. The performance is called "Freeze".

The artist sitting naked outside Lenin's Mausoleum in
Moscow, Russia, before police covered him with a blanket.

The Saint Petersburg-based artist said in a statement posted on the Grani.ru website that he was trying to draw attention to Russian society's development into a 'police state'.

Update 11/12/13: The video is taken down by YouTube with a peculiar statement of reasons.

Pyotr now faces up to 15 days of administrative arrest for disorderly conduct.

The Art of Ted Fusby

For more artwork from Ted Fusby please visit his webpage.

My thanks to Torro Spyker of The Bullring for first showing me his work.

Pair of Photos - A Photography Exhibition

When my ex-wife Iendi Laville, after the tragic annulment of our marriage, moved on to straight men she happened to stumble over the gorgeous Holy Archer (but only after I had pointed him out for her - or so I like to tell them both). It was a match made in the SecondLife heavens and the two are one of the loveliest couples I know.

They soon discovered that they both had a passion for photography in first life. When they compared their individual pictures they found some striking similarities between their works and as they looked further and deeper they found even more. The coupled photography of their combined work will now be exhibited together at Aake Roffo's art gallery on the Yadkin sim (SLurl).

The exhibition opens tomorrow, Monday September 23, 2013, at 12:00PM SLT, and continues until the end of October.

All the photography can be bought for 0 (zero) L$, but any contribution to the Relay For Life kiosk at the gallery is encouraged and welcomed.

The Vernissage of "Art Erotic"

My friend Ewa Aska, formerly best known as the co-owner of the once famous Ice Hotel and as an actor in several plays and musicals in SecondLife among them the successful ABBA SWEDEN show, has now found a new furrow for her creativity as a photographer of erotic art.

Ewa's exhibition "Art Erotic" opened with a vernissage yesterday, As the chairman of the Bock McMillan Art Foundation (a part of the BMcM Corporation) I was naturally invited. Most notable - and noticeable - among the other guests was an apparition of my bosom-buddy Apmel Goosson, this time present as his alt Apmel Meerson.

Apmel was - in my humble opinion - the most erotic work of art in the room, especially since he had chosen to dance an extremely enticing and alluring dance and somehow seemed to work his way around me the whole evening. I claimed he was hitting on me, but he emphatically denied it. (You can read our conversation on this subject on his blog, the link is supplied at the end of this post.)

Apmel plays coy but I know what he is contemplating

Apmel hits on me

Apmel in the act of sexual harassment against innocent me

Our gorgeous DJ Rultan and her likewise gorgeous hubby Alf

Paola spots me but keep her distance, in the beginning...

Fia Wycliffe surrounded by erotic art

Apmels favorite piece of art, I named it "A tethered man"

Photographer Ewa Aska in an erotic pose

I avert my eyes from the sexiness of Paola

Guyke comes to my rescue to save me from more sexual harassment by members of the audience

For more pictures from the vernissage and my hilarious conversation with Apmelito please visit "The models hide nothing, but what does Bock hide?"

If you wish to visit the exhibition it goes on through September 15, 2013, Landmark to the exhibition (SLurl)

ART EROTIC - Black & White

I got this invitation from two friends, Rultan Zeppelin on Facebook and Ewa Aska in-world. 

As the Much Honored Bock McMillan, laird of Southern Charm and prince of Cascade Falls, sovereign ruler of The Southern Enchantment Region etc, etc. and as chairman of The Bock McMillan Art Foundation (a part of the BMcM Corporation) I am duty bound to attend. Please join me there if you can.

The exhibition opens with a vernissage and a party today Sunday September 1 2013, 7AM - 9AM SLT. 

From the exhibition leaflet: 

"A photo exhibition consisting of six naked Second Life models, posing for erotic and romantic themes.

Black and White. 

Dance, mingle, champagne and canapés.

DJ: Rultan 

Hosts: Andreas Datura & Ewa Aska"

Landmark to the exhibition (SLurl)

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