This work is based on the Container real world art by Dr. Ilana Salama-Ortar.

See a Movie that capture the various states of the Contil:

In this movie, we have tried to expose the potential of real virtual worlds for the arts. We used two points of view. First, we described the nature of real virtual worlds as a combination of 3D, Community, Creation, and Commerce (AKA 3D3C see Virtual Worlds Defined). Then we listed eight states that may be re-mixed:

1.                 Show the art in world – we simply take the picture, statue, or real world creation and re-create it in the virtual world.

2.                 Show more details – we can elaborate on specific details of the work in virtual worlds. One of the values of the digital nature of virtual worlds is the ability to include in the same creation, multiple representations of details. Thus in the Contil case we include several versions of the container signs in several resolutions.

3.                 Going inside – the size of the Contil was not enough for us, so we simply created a new bigger version of it – and allowed the avatars to go inside the Contil.

4.                 Show a movie – once inside the Contil we could use the built-in tools of Second Life to show a movie, turning the Contil into an auditorium.

5.                 Create your own art – the Contil was constructed from several key elements (container sides, soil, and buried wood-based Furniture). We created a store where avatars can buy these elements, mix and match them to create their own Contil-based art.

6.                 The art as an apartment – connecting with what many people do in virtual worlds, we turned the Contil into unique habitat. We allowed users to rent these apartments and furnish them.

7.                 Sell virtual goods – linking with the ability to sell and buy items in virtual worlds, we created a small Contil as virtual art allowing people to buy a small version of the Contil.

8.                 Sell real goods – finally, we connected to the real world by suggesting a potential exhibition in a real micro-gallery located in Lowell, MA. We expect such galleries to become a focal point for future real/virtual art

At this point, it is prudent to mention some of the technical aspects of building the Contil states. A bit of background is needed. The basic unit of Second Life is a Region. Often called an Island or a Sim (a short for simulator). A Region is a 256 x 256 meter area that is being managed by the same person

 While there are many other aspects to land in Second Life, which we will not cover here, we can examine the aerial view that will explain the various locations of the Contil elements:

(A)    Is a house that contains the regular Contil, which was listed in the state 1. State 2 talks about the details that are posted on the Contil itself in this building.

(B)     Represent the larger Contil as seen in state 2. This larger Contil also houses the movie auditorium listed in state 3. You will note that this Contil is actually located in 200 meters above ground level.

(C)    Is the store with the Contil components that allow user created Contils (state 5).

(D)    Is the location of the three apartments (State 6) where social interaction can occur.

(E)     Is the conference center that house the exhibition of the virtual goods, among them the Contil artifact (State 7).

Note: State 8, which relates to the real world, is not represented here.

In presenting this technical view, we wanted to emphasize some of the specifications of doing art in virtual worlds. To use the medium one must be aware of its limitations, abilities, pros, and cons. In more general terms: To fully harness the value of virtual worlds, at the right time and cost both artists and curators should acquaint themselves with the medium.