Liz Solo

Third Faction

The Third Faction is an affiliation of geographically dispersed entities with a collective interest in exposing binary systems in synthetic environments via in-world performances, the collective operates simultaneously across various platforms including World of Warcraft and Second Life. Third Faction members question the politics, allegiances, and narrative conventions of Synthetic Worlds. the cross-factional collective officially formed in World of Warcraft on Valentine's day 2008 in a self-declared temporary autonomous zone.

Please see Third Faction

Liz Solo collaborated throughout 2009 with the Third Faction on the /hug (slash hug) Project. This project seeks to establish a non Governmental Aid Organization (NGO) within the online MMORPG World of Warcraft.

/hug presented a gallery installation in 2009 at the Laguna Art Museum, California. The installation was a part of the show WoW: Emergent Media Phenomenon, curated by Grace Kook-Andersen. The show chronicles artists working in WoW, fan art and original blizzard Concept art. The /hug contribution to the exhibit featured recruitment materials, mission cards, instructional videos and documentation of the work of the /hug project. It encouraged viewer interaction via hands-on participation. The live and online presence of /hug members assisted visitors in carrying out Non Governmental Organization of Azeroth missions.

This /hug instructional video was featured as part of the Laguna exhibit. It was made by Liz Solo with script by Thomas Asmuth and featuring appearances by many /hug members.

When exploring the landscape of World of Warcraft with the /hug project Liz Solo created many experimental videos. Here is a short sketch piece featuring /hug members encountering a Refugee Orphanage in Shattrath City on World of Warcarft.

"The piece that made the biggest impression on me was an installation that comes from a collective called /hug (slashhug), whose volunteers seek out and assist "noobs" (new players) who may otherwise get "ganked" (gang killed) by more experienced players. Hippy-dippy though it may be, the group's preference for an anarchist spirit of cooperation and service over rape, pillage and competition seems such the antithesis of the stereotyped fanboy, I couldn't help but have admiration for their insurgency. They offer a much-needed critique - and the lone voice of dissent - to the game, as well as much of the exhibition."
- Dave Barton, The Orange County Weekly