The Place to Be
Written by Davida Ander
Map: Check.
Transit pass: Check.
Thick jacket: Check.
Enough energy to last until sunrise: Check. Check. Check.
Last Saturday evening Torontonians and visitors prepared for a night of awe at Scotiabank’s Nuit Blanche.
There were a total of 40 official projects to see in Zone B at the Sound and Vision exhibition. However, those with an eye for creativity could find countless other “art exhibits”. Two tiny dogs walking by in puffy Halloween pumpkin suits attracted many chuckles and awwws. In another unofficial project, a group of four gothic-dressed women stood frozen, pointing at a flashing plastic toy. At one point, several boys ran about Yonge and Dundas Square covered in full blue body “morphsuits” (stretchy, full-body spandex catsuits).
At the square, a planned attraction brought together the city and wilderness in a blazing bonfire. Dan Graham’s project was titled as Just ecause you can feel it doesn’t mean it’s there. Meridith Gabel and others who felt the fire questioned what it was doing there.
“Honestly, I think it’s pointless,” The 19-year-old engineering student said. “If it was winter and it was freezing out, it would be useful.”
There were several other exclamations of, “Is that it?” However, many who hadn’t dressed for the chilly weather were glad to warm up from the cuddling and heat. And as one enjoyer put it, “You can’t roast hot dogs over the Mona Lisa.”
Toronto Transit goers could truly feel at home in three decorated bus shelters at Bay and Queen Street West. An independent project, three arts and theatre students from York University fashioned them into the walk-in rooms of a child, teenager and adult. The clear walls of the child’s room turned into canvases for passers-by, their paintbrushes taking the form of Crayola washable window markers.
“It’s unique in its own way. And memorable too,” said 14-year-old Xizi Luo, a volunteer at the project.
Just down the street, visitors could make their own art by recording a video at the TLGOY, Toronto Looks Good on You booth. The aim of the self-spotlight was to capture and promote Toronto using social media. The videos featured much laughter and a whole lot of goofing around.
Sore feet could be rested at Daniel Lanois’s exhibit, Later that night at the drive-in. Taking place at Nathan Philips Square, there were multiple screens set up and blue ramps attached beneath them. Anyone could lie back for a relaxing (yet slightly soppy) experience of Lanois’ pounding rock concert. His group, Black Dub, was rocking it out in the square’s center as the screens projected the live event.
Zone B was popping throughout the night. Toronto, you have pulled off a White Night that was quite alright!
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Click HERE to see Universal Perspectives’ pictures from the event
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