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In what could be a world first, the launch of a real-life art exhibition at The University of Western Australia will be held simultaneously with a launch of the same exhibition in the 3D virtual world of Second Life.

The real exhibition features works by acclaimed WA astral photographer John Goldsmith.  It will be held in UWA Physics Building - and both the building and the gallery will be open to visitors from all over the world at any time on Second Life.

"John's photos record real celestial landscapes - they depict space, the final frontier," said Jay Jay Jegathesan of the UWA Second Life project.  "It's apt that we're linking the exhibition to the University's first foray into another new frontier - Second Life.

"We're creating a land that faithfully replicates what we see on campus, down to the peacocks wandering the grounds.  Future students will be able to ‘walk' around the campus and discover what it might be like to study here by visiting virtual classrooms."

The exhibition, titled Starlight, Celestial Visions on Second Life, and the Second Life launch have also involved Dr Chris Thorne of the School of Physics, Paul Bourke of the WA Supercomputer Program, and support from iVEC.

WHAT: Simultaneous Astronomy Art Gallery Launch in Real and Virtual Worlds

WHEN: Friday, 21 August, 10am

WHERE: Ross Lecture Theatre, Physics Building (nearest carparks off Fairway
entrances)

RSVP: Mr Jegathesan: [email protected]

Media references

Jay Jay Jegathesan (UWA Second Life Project)  (+61 8) 6488 2740 / (+61 4) 17 180 564
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716