The launch event for Dekka Raymaker's new installation on level 3 of Arthole was a great success, and he surprised and delighted everyone with this fresh and exciting work.
From the moment you arrive in the space it's obvious the artist wants you to have a fun experience as you get to pick which Mickey Mouse hat to wear (I went for
'I ♡ Arthole'). From there a ladder leads up to another level and the actual "Church" of the title.
The Church of Whoami is something that needs to be experienced rather than described, not least because there are just so many great little details to discover that only become apparent after repeat visits. I found myself being drawn back inside several times because I felt completely immersed, I love that feeling and it's not something that happens often outside of a physical gallery situation and so very rarely in Second Life.
Dekka's space reminded me of Laurie Anderson's 1997 installation at the Royal Festival Hall;
Dancing In The Moonlight With Her Wigwam Hair, which I stayed in for hours at a time because I was so comfortable in there. All the separate elements Laurie A. had put together worked so well, it was exciting and I understood it completely. Critic Robert C. Morgan described it as "
humorous, charming, yet also coy, smart, and cynical", and I think this is also a perfect summary of Dekka Raymaker's work.
Teleport to Arthole
here
