Second Life Images Inspired by Our Fight Against COVID-19, Found As I Myself Recovered from the Virus

My RL view as I write this post, and of my "troll" tree

Cajsa Lilliehook covers the best in virtual world screenshot art and digital painting

Before I share my latest round of Second Life photos inspired by the Coronavirus pandemic, I should start with a personal update, after my doctor diagnosed me as likely having the virus: 

I believe that I have recovered from COVID-19. Nearly all my symptoms are gone. The big difference for me is that I feel good, not like something run through a wringer a few times. There is this irony brought about by the lack of Coronavirus tests: When you are sick, you must presume you have it. When you get better, you must presume you did not.

So now I have a cold. Really! Life has a sick sense of humor.  

Now, on to Venicio Armin’s photostream, which is full of beautiful images, mostly lush and gorgeous landscapes. But recently, he did a series of photos in response to the pandemic: 

This one using an avatar with graffiti is striking, a visual metaphor of the way some governments have prioritized economic continuity over the health and safety of their citizens.

This image imagines an agency that does not exist but perhaps should. Venicio’s native language is Spanish, so I imagine the horror of the pandemic is far more omnipresent and close at hand, but he communicates his outrage mostly through his photos with very little commentary, trusting in the picture’s worth remains more than a thousand words. From the comments, I think it’s a good b

This photo honors Marisol San Roman, a young Argentinian woman who was pursuing her Master’s in Spain. She flew back to Argentina before learning she had COVID. She was twice hospitalized and chronicled her ordeal in an interview only to be widely harassed and condemned on social media. Venicio speaks up to defend her against the mob. 

You should visit Venicio Armin’s photostream for his fabulous landscapes. They are a delight. However, I was most captivated by his COVID pictures. 

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Comments

[Venicio Armin]

Thank you very much, Cajsa Lilliehook , for adding several photos to your excellent column at New World Notes. I consider several artists, from their place, each one, gave their glance on this terrible epidemic. However, I still think that Second life, and in particular the members of the Flickr world, have not tackled the issue with greater commitment. It's not just Second life Flickr, much more strange is the millions of photographers dedicated to the photography of everyday life. Who have not done so either. Again, thank you very much for joining those of us who are trying, with our limited artistic action, to tackle this sad reality.