Judgement by Patrick Millard
photography, 2009
Virtual Environments have become increasingly popular as we have moved forward into the 21 st Century, and with this trend we are witnessing an expansion of our reality and the notion of objecthood. The developing world of virtuality has resulted in a market of goods that are bought and sold but no longer tangible to the buyer or seller. The outcome is a greater respect and enthusiasm for information as product itself. Goods are continually becoming cherished more for their ability to carry concept and idea rather than their physical place in space.
In Virtual Lens this world of virtuality [Second Life] is seen for its visual and informational offerings. The world possesses artistic, educatio-
nal, social, retail, residential, commerce, etc. in a diverse number of configurations that are both recognizable from the world we have known in our 'real life' structure and as new developments that have been created by the users of the virtual environment.
Patrick Millard is an artist who originates from the small Western Michigan town of Lamont and now lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His work in photography, new media, and sound has resulted in a diversified portfolio that addresses ideas about media, digital culture, technology and the interactions that human beings have within their own synthetic environment. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and continues to gain recognition.
