Continuing in the fine tradition of years past, the MONDOarts department dispatched four writers to cover this year’s Nuit Blanche and their escapades during said event. Enjoy!
By Helen Fylactou
5am: I am the portrait of the starving artist. At least, I have become the stereotype of one. I have stayed up to the wee hours of the night hoping to find inspiration. Hungry. Delusional. Exhausted. I sit at my desk sipping on coffee and hoping to find the words to describe Nuit Blanche. Along with what seemed like everyone in the GTA, I spent the night on very slow walking tour of Toronto and seeing free contemporary art exhibits.
With a total of 132 projects, seeing everything was a daunting mission.
I started my evening at Nathan Phillips Square, which consisted of thousands of people watching LCD lights spells different words. I stuck around to see “wind” and “womb,” not quite sure what to make of it. Maybe trying to guess the next word gave everyone the feeling of winning on Wheel of Fortune. I continued my way to the Eaton Centre to see Jeff Koon’s 50-foot mirrored rabbit, one of the “must-see” events of Nuit Blanche. It was not, unfortunately, mind-blowing — but it was neat to listen to different people interpreting the piece. For me, it triggered a childhood memories of seeing giant balloons at the Santa Claus parade.
My favourite part of the evening was the midway set up in the financial district. Reflective of the ups and downs of the market, the slides and the rollercoaster engaged in a clear conversation with audiences (and riders). Keeping with theme of the instability of the financial institute, Dan Mihaltianu’s Pool of Vodka (80-proof) was situated in the Lobby of the Commerce CourtWest. The pool symbolized the intoxication and allure money holds, while reminding viewers that it’ll eventually evaporate. I continued through the financial district only to find an exhibit of “celebrities” playing Monopoly. I didn’t know any of the celebrities, and nothing about a group of people playing with real money seemed inventive or altruistic.
In the end, battling the crowds of incomparable size dimished my experience of the night’s art in all of its manifestations. And although I found several exhibits meaningless, I also thrived in the ubiquitious appreciation of art. For good or for bad, Nuit Blanche is one of the most unique experiences that Toronto has to offer.
That really seems like a waste of vodka, I hope it got donated to a homeless shelter or something. Or maybe UNICEF. They always appreciate donations.