On Tuesday 13th November, Lizzie Gudkov and London Junkers unveiled their submission for the LEA’s Full sim Art Series.

Guernica is a vivid reproduction of Picasso’s famous work, which has been beautifully reproduced in 3D within second Life in a manner which allows one to appreciate both as it was originally painted, or physically immerse oneself in the piece.

Commenting on the installation, London says:

In 1937 Spanish painter Pablo Picasso created one of the most important icons of the 20th century when he made the Guernica.

Painted in black and white, depicting the horrors of war, it is today as solid and modern as it was when it was first shown in the 1937 International Fair in Paris. T

The intention of re-creating this masterpiece in Second Life comes from the love for the original mural itself and what it represents. After a lot of thought and experimenting with external 3D software,a decision was made, this installation would be built primarily in prims, as an exercise of the possibilities that LEA has given us. With this piece, we would like to pay homage to Picasso and let visitors learn more from it.

The original was created in response to the bombing of Guernica, a Basque Country village in northern Spain by German and Italian aircraft on 26 April 1937, during the Spanish Civil War. Guernica shows the tragedies of war and the suffering it inflicts upon individuals, particularly innocent civilians. This work has gained a monumental status, becoming a perpetual reminder of the tragedies of war, an anti-war symbol, and an embodiment of peace. On completion Guernica was displayed around the world in a brief tour, becoming famous and widely acclaimed.

The installation can be seen at LEA 6 in-world, where it is displayed full in keeping with the original. On arrival, you’ll be requested to accept the local windlight settings, which allow the mural to be presented as with the original – in black and white.

The arrival point allows you to view the piece pretty much as Picasso originally painted it: in two dimensions. However, step down from the viewing gallery and you can become fully immersed in the image, seeing it – and the horrific outcome of the event it portrays – in a very personal way.

It can be said that Guernica saw the final end of any romanticism of war. While much of this had already been washed away in the terrors of The Great War of 1914-1918, war before Guernica was often removed and isolated from the lives of “ordinary” people. After Guernica, this would never again be the case – as the unfolding tragedy of the Second World War would illustrate just two years later.

The artists of this recreation recommend visitors view it via Mouselook – and I do recommend the same; while moving and flying around it might be a little harder using Mouselook, the added depth of perspective obtained more than compensates.

For those not familiar with the work or its historical context and impact, I would also recommend a little background reading as well.

Guernica will remain open at LEA6 throughout the remainder of November 2012.