On 18 May 2007 Goldsmiths Design Students will host the first-ever virtual representation of a real life degree show on Second Life, an internet based 3-D virtual world that enables its users, known as residents, to interact and socially network with each other. This virtual world is already home to a few leading brands such as Adidas, IBM and Reuters however it is not yet common practice for businesses to have a presence on second life.
Visitors are free to look around the show, titled 'Annotations', at any time and can even attend a virtual event on 6 June where they will be greeted by the students, in their avatar* form. The class will stand next to virtual representations of work from their real life degree show exhibition, which includes brushes made from human hair and kettles that race! Along with the opportunity to talk to students about their work, visitors will see Goldsmiths tutor, Matt Ward giving a speech about the class of 2007.
Student, Emily O'Dwyer said "We were aware of the importance and power of virtual networking and feel that having a Second Life profile will soon become a necessary requirement. The class were all in favour of utilizing the most up to date methods of digital communication in order to make our degree show as accessible as possible. Now it doesn't matter where you are in the world, you can still see our show, and even meet us at our event."
This outlook was also supported by the course leader, Matt Ward who comments "Second Life offers a fascinating opportunity for our students to present themselves in a different type of space - a virtual space. This expands the reach of their degree show and allows them to present themselves to a far larger audience, in ways that can only improve and enhance their work."
The virtual exhibition space is a to-scale version of the real Truman Brewery on Brick Lane in London, including the graffiti, weathered brickwork, and old fly posters. It marks hundreds of years of real life, distilled down into pixels. Although it can be argued that nothing can take the place of a real, first hand experience, the students at Goldsmiths have certainly created the next best thing. A visit to the virtual world is highly recommended.
To visit this virtual space you will need to download the software from www.secondlife.com and set up your own profile, if you don't already have one. Then you just search for "Annotations" and teleport yourself there.
Notes to Editors
Virtual Exhibition
Visit Second Life at www.secondlife.com
Search for 'Annotations'
Doors open 18 May 2007, Event 6 June 2007 at 12pm GMT
If you are a Second Life resident you can IM Lilly Losangeles for more information
*An avatar is an internet user's representation of themselves.
Real Life Exhibition
Friday 1 June - Monday 4 June, 11.00am – 5.00pm (Private View for Press 31 May)
Venue: Boiler House, The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
Admission: FREE
Contact: For more information call 020 7919 7777 or email design@gold.ac.uk
For further information
Sarah Empey, Communications & Publicity email press@gold.ac.uk or tel: 020 7919 7909
