I’ve frequently commented on the fact that I find Rebeca Bashly’s work fascinating to see; the subjects she tackles can often challenge one’s perceptions and / or offer-up a visual interpretation of other mediums, such as with her fantastic realisation of Dante’s Inferno. I’ve covered a number of her pieces in SL, the most recent being Colour Key, and I’ve never failed to be completely drawn-in to her work.

She now has a new full sim installation at Per4mance Metales, which opened on December 10th, and which I’ve been itching to take a look at, but Things have been getting in the way – most through my own fault. So I’m getting to it a little later than hoped – but I’m glad it didn’t actually fall off my “to do” list.

Sleepy Snail is a complete departure from recent pieces by Rebeca, which is not to say it is any the less fascinating. What it may mean is unclear; I rather suspect it is more an expression of the artist’s sense of whimsy and fun than in having any deep-seated message or meaning; and as such, it is a visual delight.

Ten lattice-like platforms, both square and circular, float on the water, each bearing beautifully formed translucent leaves. From the middle of some of these platforms rise ornate pieces which have an almost filigree-like look to them and which support circular platforms overhead. Several of the platforms, both with and without the ornate structures, have the most beautiful snails apparently slowly making their way around the outer edges.

In the centre of all this sits the most gigantic snail you’ve likely ever seen in-world. At over 115 metres in height, it is simply enormous – and wonderfully eye-catching; a huge copy of the the smaller snails sitting on the platforms. Looking to have been constructed of gold – or perhaps bronze (or both) depending on your windlight settings – and glass, it sits in the middle of the region like a gigantic piece of a jeweller’s artistry. In fact, taken as a whole, the installation does feel as if one has fallen into the workshop of some huge master craftsman’s workshop and among his most prized works.

Inside the gigantic snail sits a further series of platforms, these somewhat more businesslike in design and linked by a series of spiral staircases, which lead the visitor all the way up to the topmost platform and a wonderful firefly like creation. More of the latter can be found elsewhere as well, hovering both inside the huge snail and out on the suspended platforms.

Like the jeweller’s handiwork, wonderful detail is evident everywhere – you just need to look. Having a little play with windlight settings helps bring some of the more delicate aspects of the piece gloriously to life. It doesn’t appear as if materials have been used in the designs, which is a little bit of a shame; I can’t help but feel they’d have added even more depth and beauty to the piece.

That is, however a very minor quibble. What Rebeca has created is breathtaking and delightful in its intricate simplicity (if you’ll forgive such a tangled reference) and quite amazing in its elegance. Oh, and when visiting, don’t miss the teleporter near the arrival point, it’ll take you up to a sky theatre where you can enjoy past art presentations and installations at Per4mance Metales.

Highly recommended.

Related Links

Sleep Snails SLurl (rated: Moderate)