Shyla the Super Gecko’s exhibition at The Glinka Gallery shows us the spirited activity within one of Second Life’s many cathartic outlets: poetry.

Shyla’s work is informed by her personal experiences and passions as a person with a disability concerned about social justice issues. She writes to express herself, especially during these times of limited outdoor travel, and hopes to create material that others can relate to.

The Glinka Gallery, run by real world novelist and poet Wolfgang Glinka, comprises four galleries dedicated to fine art, photography, poetry, music, and dance by SL artists. The aesthetic is a fun blend of modern and minimalist with surreal accents that make the space welcoming and engaging. 

Shyla’s work is in the Frank O’Hara Building. Named after the notable writer, this building is dedicated to poetry. Some of her work takes the form of Fibonacci poems, where the number of words per line are determined by the mathematical sequence which starts with 0 and 1 and the next number is found by adding up the two numbers before it. This adds a visually alluring element to the poetry, with pieces resembling diamonds, triangles, or hourglass shapes.

Second Life has provided an opportunity for virtual recreation as well. You might catch Shyla hanging out with friends, going to concerts, or even on the slopes, as she is an avid snowboarder.

Shyla would like us to know that there are plenty of places for fans and budding poets to try out, adding, “The SL poetry community is vibrant. There are daily opportunities to share work. An ability to be vulnerable in an environment of trust and respect. Sabreman Carter hosts daily open mics. Circes’ New Poet Sanctuary and Hotel Chelsea’s Sunday Spoken Word feature amazing poets in SL.”

For more in-world poetry, Shyla suggests The Blue Angel Poets Dive (SL’s oldest continuously running open mic), and Poet’s Plunder run by Klannex Northmead. Northmead also maintains The Apple, a calendar of SL poetry events.

The Glinka Gallery

The Glinka Gallery is a group of four galleries dedicated to fine art, photography, poetry, music, and dance by SL artists. Glinka Gallery One focuses on new art exhibitions. Glinka Gallery Two is home to the permanent collection of art and photography from previous shows. The Fibonacci Gallery is dedicated to the short-form poetry that adheres to the Fibonacci number sequence. The Frank O'Hara Building is a poetry gallery for Second Life poets. There is also the Frank O'Hara room for special events and readings. The piazza is home to Glinka gallery's resident dance group The Sway & Dance Troupe who mix choreography, music, and poetry in their very visual dance spectaculars. The gallery director is real-world novelist and poet, Wolfgang Glinka.

Visit in Second Life