Diomita Maurer’s Blog

Saturday, January 4th, I visited Shui Mo Gallery, a gallery a came across following scoop.it SL Destinations.

Shiu Mo Gallery is owned by FionaFei and features her unique art. Right next to the landing spot you can grab a notecard with information about the place, the presented art and about FionaFei herself.

In addition I got information in main chat and a welcome:
“This space is an art installation created in the style of Chinese ink brush (ShuǐMò) painting by FionaFei.  Initially designed as a stand-alone art installation is now also used to house Fiona’s other artworks.  Follow the scrolls to the giant red double doors to head inside!  Please feel free to roam around the space and sit on the artwork.“

Shui Mo Gallery – A walk into FionaFei’s art

“Shui Mo, meaning ”ink” in Chinese, is an art gallery and a series of installations called the ”Shui Mo Series” that I have created in the style of Chinese ink brush painting, depicting a common theme or landscape seen in many traditional Chinese paintings.
The Shui Mo Gallery hovers over Dreams, a sim dedicated to helping and supporting stroke survivors and people with autism by means of regular group meetings, classes, games, and creative building contests. The goal of the Shui Mo Gallery is to give the visitors and the Dreams community the feel of being fully immersed inside a 2D drawing as well as an escape from even ”virtual” reality, where the 3D space melts away into the mind of the artist.“

I was impressed right when I saw the first 6 art objocts present in the hall where you land. You can’t really capture the flowers, trees, butterflies and blossoms in a 2D picture. They are 3D and look different from every angle. My first picture shows the landing hall with the 6 art objects. I made some close-up pictures to provide an idea about these objects.

Impressions of Shui Mo Gallery – the landing hall

The center piece of the Shiu Mo Gallery is behind the giant red double doors. You literally enter the art of FionaFei. Fiona uses the possibilities of Second Life to provide a new perspective on this traditional Chinese art style by adding depth. She makes what has always been portrayed as 2D paintings into 3D scuptures, trees, birds, fish and other familiar structures commonly seen in traditional Chinese paintings. When the viewer looks into the art, they are looking into a 3D space and depending on the angle they are viewing it from, the art changes.

Impressions of Shui Mo Gallery – entering FionaFei’s art

I walked into the art, I crossed bridges and walked stairs and I sat on Fiona’s art as she invited me to. That is fun on on side, you dance and balance and you become a living colourful spot in a black and white environment. There’s also the opportunity for couple dances, something very particular with this background. It’s not really possible to capture the 3D experience in pictures although I tried that of course.

Impressions of Shui Mo Gallery – within FionaFei’s art (1)

The notecard, which I got at the entrance also contains information about FionaFei herself:
“As a Chinese American, the Shui Mo series is my way of not only connecting with my ancestry, but it’s also a way for me to celebrate centuries of art and old masters who painted in this beautiful art style. I am classically trained in oil painting and electronic media.  Much of my early years were spent painting landscapes and portraits using oil paint on canvas.  However, I developed a love for non-photorealism over the years as an artist. In continuation with my love of non-photorealism, I now produce Chinese ink-brush art in Second Life and exhibit my work around the grid.“

Impressions of Shui Mo Gallery – within FionaFei’s art (2)

FionaFei has her own website and you might want to get more information and background about her and her art there. Visiting the Shui Mo Gallery was a great experience. It perfectly shows the opportunities that a virtual platform like Second Life provides for artisits and Fiona found another unique way to take advantage of it.

Thank you very much for your art, Fiona. I’m pretty sure that I will come across it again in Second Life – and I will visit the Shui Mo Gallery again.

Landmark to Shui Mo Gallery
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dreams/147/44/2554
Read more about the inspiration behind the gallery here:
https://fionafei.carbonmade.com/projects/7058075
FionaFei’s website
https://fionafei.carbonmade.com/