Thursday, February 21st, I visited the installation “No man is an island” at DaphneArts. “No man is an island” is created by Sheldon Bergman (sheldonbr) and Angelika Corral, who own DaphneArts, which opened in March 2016, and is an art complex that features monthly exhibitions, with a strong focus on the grotesque, surreal and existential themes.
Upon landing you’re requested to attach a HUD, that provides music and adds a black stripe on the top and the bottom of your screen and hence makes your visit look a bit like a film for the wide-screen. The stripes are also used to provide text.
DaphneArts presents – an experience by Sheldon Bergman and Angelika Corral – No Man Is An Island (1)
Together with the music and the windlight setting “No man is an island” has a scary and mysterious atmosphere. It a large beach with some rocks. Seagulls gather on the rocks. What catches the view is a tall light house and a burning hut next to it. Of course you’re attracted by it and walk closer to see the scene. The fire looks as if it has just started. The stairs to the entrance of the lighthouse are illuminated by candles, just like the bridge that you cross right when you land on the island.
In the landmark’s description the scene described: “The hermit dances in the fire, while the wind whistles a symphony. Raindrops patter on the sand. The candles burn. And, in the gloomy horizon, the lighthouse stands sublimely.“
DaphneArts presents – an experience by Sheldon Bergman and Angelika Corral – No Man Is An Island (2)
Inside of the lighthouse is a human sculpture, illuminted by a spotlight – surrounded by the dark. The scuplture has a lower arm holding a candle in it’s mouth. When you enter the house you listen to Angelika Corral reading the poem “No man is an island“.
No man is and island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a manor of thy friend’s
Or of thine own were.
Any man’s death diminishes me,
Beause I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
(John Donne)
I further explored the island, that offers particular views for pictures with this unique atmosphere … while the words echoed in my ears “Where did you come from? Why are you here? Who are you?”
DaphneArts presents – an experience by Sheldon Bergman and Angelika Corral – No Man Is An Island (3)
I’ll refrain from interpreting the poem and the installation. It’s unique in its own way and you should visit and experience it yourself. Thank you Sheldon Bergman (sheldonbr) and Angelika Corral for creating this peice of art and for sharing.
Landmark to DaphneArts – No man is an island
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Honeyoe%20Falls/194/229/2496
Diomita Maurer’s Blog 