Nuit Blanche 2009 Guide
Nuit Blanche is set to take over Toronto next Saturday October 3rd offering another dusk 'till dawn city-wide art crawl and an excellent excuse to stay up crazy late. To make the most of the evening, I've put together a guide with some of my top picks for this year's installment of the all night contemporary art thing.
The map below shows a selection of exhibits I'm planning to check out at the 2009 installment of Nuit Blanche. The complete list of exhibits is available at the official website and of course via the new mobile apps. The map also contains descriptions of each exhibit and links to further details, so hopefully it's a useful tool to help you plan how to make the most of your night.
In my experience, the best exhibits are the ones you have to hunt for - less people find them, and there's an element of discovery that makes the night all the more enjoyable. You can also voice your opinion of the exhibits this year via the People's Choice Award, where you can vote for your favourite installation project.
As always, the event goes from sunset to sunrise with many places around Toronto staying open to accommodate the all night affair (we'll have a Nuit Blanche food guide coming this week, too!)
The TTC is running all night, but only in certain areas. The Bloor-Danforth subway (from Keele to Woodbine) and the Yonge-University subway (from St Clair West to Eglinton) will run 24-hours. Don't forget that the rest of the TTC won't start up until 9am on Sunday morning... however increased all-night service will be offered on some land routes.
So without further ado... here are my picks for this year's Nuit Blanche:
This zone includes 52 official and 37 independent exhibits this year, and covers a massive patch of city from St. Clair down to Queen. A lot of these exhibits tend to cater to large crowds, but some run on a show-type schedule.
Rabbit Balloon
Jeff Koons - Sculpture
Mr. Koons has said of this most iconic work that it reflects the needs of culture and society and can represent so many different things to the viewer.
Ghost Chorus - Dirge for Dead Slang
Katie Bethune-Leamen - Installation
From the dead centre of Larry Sefton Park the sights and sounds of Ghost Chorus - Dirge for Dead Slang rise up into the trees and into the ears of onlookers, rubberneckers and passers-by.
Space Becomes The Instrument
Gordon Monahan - Sound Installation
This installation and performance inverts traditional staging by using the audience seating area and the balconies as the performance space. From the stage, the audience will view performers playing piano wires stretched across the interior of Massey Hall.
AS COULD BE
Paulette Phillips - Installation
AS COULD BE is a three dimensional animation projected onto fog and an immersive sound piece. The animation is based on the architectural model designed by the Russian artist Vladmir Tatlin.
Battle Royal
Shaun El C. Leonardo - Performance Art
Inspired by Ralph Ellison's The Invisible Man, 20 men will enter Toronto's original bus depot with lingering art-deco design and step into a 17' steel cage. Shaun El Conquistador Leonardo (artist and trained fighter) along with 19 of Canada's elite pro-wrestlers will fight blindfolded until only one man is left standing.
Pwn the Wall
Graffiti Research Lab - Multimedia Installation
Nuit Blanche will premiere "bombIR" - an infrared-LED equipped spray can that allows writers to physically paint with light. Local graf artists will reference 1930"s era agit-prop images from social movements in Toronto during the depression era. GRL Canada develops open source projects in collaboration with a team including Rhek, Virus, and The Dark in Vancouver, as well as Fluke and Axe in Montreal.
Beautiful Light: 4 LETTER WORD MACHINE
D. A. Therrien - Light Installation
Suspended 65 metres in the air between the Viljo Revell-designed Toronto City Hall towers, the four 7m square alphanumeric quartz lamp arrays will display codes, DNA sequences and elemental words.
Mobius
Jason Leaver - Video Installation
Mobius is a looping film with no beginning nor end. Presented on four screens facing each other, each delayed by 25%. Key elements of the story temporally interact with one and other, screen to screen as past and future events intersect.
On the music side of things, check out the Reference Library's Dance Dance Evolution, or The Rivoli's All Vinyl Cavalcade (upstairs) that's paired with Zone B's Eros Boulevard Cabaret (front Patio).
This zone includes 42 official and 27 independent exhibits spread across the south central area of the city, as well as the Distillery District.
Skry-Pod
FASTWÜRMS - Performance Art, Multimedia Installation
Skry-Pod transforms the Sheraton's lobby and normally inaccessible gardens into a zone of divinatory encounters. Tarot readings activated through iTouch, a live tableaux in the glassed-in waterfall, and a VJ mix of the artists' aesthetic meditations on popular culture, natural cycles, and occult philosophy will continue through the night.
Vodka Pool
Dan Mihaltianu - Installation
As viewers gather around a reflecting pool of alcohol situated on the pristine floor of the atrium, they can ponder the volatile and symbolic qualities of 80-proof vodka.
Gone Indian
Rebecca Belmore - Performance Art
Roaming the downtown district is the nomadic presence of an artistically rezzed-up pickup truck. Decked out in "traditional" pow-wow regalia, the truck features drumming and vocals, and a dancer who erupts into action at unsuspecting moments.
Wild Ride
Shawna Dempsey & Lorri Millan - Performance Art, Multimedia Installation
Bay Street - emblem of Canada's banking industry - is closed. The smell of cotton candy and raucous music fill the air. Two midway rides reflect the whirling, tilting exhilaration of the bull market and its less than thrilling collapse. Free to the public and staffed by recently downsized businesspeople.
Wasted Breath
Marcia Huyer - Installation
In an abandoned urban alleyway, uncanny signs of life catch the eye. Piles of garbage bags inhale and exhale in an irregular breathing pattern.
Safe as Houses
Adrian Göllner - Light Installation
The expression "safe as houses" refers to the permanence and protection of one's home. As a way of playing with this notion, a residential tower will be treated with light, making it appear impermanent by night.
12 Hours of Power
Denise Ing - Installation, Performance Art
On the night of October 3, Torontonians will flock to Berczy Park... Beckoned over by Live Green Toronto volunteers, the Nuit Blanche attendees will mount the bicycles and naturally start pedalling. Right before their eyes, the fountain will light up and an altered water display will rise from the water's surface.
Dances Distilled
Distillery District - Dance Ontario
Works by five fresh, fabulous,urban dance groups that take full advantage of The Distillery's alleyways. Performance schedule available here.
PhotoSecret
Rob Gee - Interactive Installation
Embracing "the exhibitionist in all of us", PhotoSecret is an interactive exhibit that encourages visitors to anonymously txt a secret with their mobile phone. The more adventurous can take their photo at one of the custom photo booths. The crowd will come alive when photo and secret are randomly paired and displayed above the city for all to see.
HEY APATHY! "A Dialogue with the City"
Mike Parsons - visual/performance art
Witness the live and interactive creation of a giant mural in the streets of Toronto. The city is a giant gear, propelled by all the different people who move through it. Mike Parsons is a fine artist/performer who uses black & white cartoon images to express an optimistic warning towards the future.
This zone was by far my favourite last year, offering a nice balance of crowds and room to explore each exhibit at my leisure. With 36 official and 26 independent projects, not to mention some of the city's best venues for late night fun, I'll probably spend a good chunk of the night checking out these exhibits.
The Sight of Sound
The Sight of Sound: Scotiabank Nuit Blanche at Drake
Twitter meets contemporary art called Urban Echo. People walking by the Drake will see phrases projected onto the façade of the building that they will be asked to respond to via Twitter or text messaging. The person's response will then get re-projected back onto the building for all to see - a collective representation of thoughts and feelings of urban dwellers.
The Apology Project
Maria Legault - Performance Art
For Nuit Blanche 2009, The Apology Project will be staged in its largest scale thus far. A cluster of 55 people wearing large brown paper bags on their bodies will congest a public hallway and personally apologize to every person who ventures through them.
FIRE AND SAUSAGE: Small Mercies
Tom Dean - Visual Art
The fires and the Liberty district's remove, the trace of the feral, suggest the aftermath of a collapse, a catastrophe or apocalypse... FIRE AND SAUSAGE: Small Mercies is a social sculpture. It engages and arranges people. Participants congregate...clustered radially around food and fire.
In Position!
Babak Golkar - Light Installation
In Position! Babak Golkar projects a stream of pulsating light from various searchlights into the sky. While the locations of the searchlights vary, the pulsation will stay constant, spelling out the words "WE ARE SORRY" in Morse Code. With this installation Golkar aims to create a visual sense of anxiety and emergency.
Dance of the Cranes
Brandon Vickerd - Performance Art
Dance of the Cranes is a collaborative performance piece consisting of a 13-minute choreographed dance performed by two high-rise construction cranes. The dance will be performed at the beginning of every hour, from 7 pm to 3 am, on the night of Nuit Blanche.
The Lost and Found Forest
Sculpture, Multimedia Installation
Enter and explore this man-made forest of string, interwoven around thousands of nails along a 40-foot long plastic corridor. The sounds of the forest are also present, familiar but manufactured.
Rescue Bubble
Tomer Diamant - Sculpture
As the humble foot soldiers of disposable infrastructure, traffic pylons solicit an indifferent compliance in our daily navigations of the city. Here however, hundreds are amassed into a single glowing beacon of urgent concern.
NITE LITE
Alexandra (Alita) González - Light Installation
NITE-LITE is a free-standing light installation which uses re-purposed materials and water bottles, stained and lit to act as 'pixels', which create visuals as well as awareness to the environmental issues surrounding plastics and BPA.
Nuit Gladstone IV
Gladstone Hotel - Group Exhibition
An all-night extravaganza of contemporary art, performances and activities involving over 100 artists on two floors of the Gladstone Hotel.
A.R.R.R.T (Artistically, Recycling, Reusing, Reclaiming, Twilight)
The Evolution of The Human Spirit - The sheVISIONS Collective
This contemporary art piece focuses on Light and is supported by a combination of sound, movement, and visual and costume design. ...3D visual projections are eased on to the west façade of the Gladstone Hotel, enhanced by sounds from both nature and industry. The complete installation has a running time of 1 hour and 40 minutes. There is a 20 minute intermission in between performances.
City Sonic:The Cameron House in Motion
Performance Art, Multimedia Installation
The walls of the Cameron House come to life with a video installation and Napoleon Brousseau's "restoration performance" of the ants that adorn the bar's exterior.
Finally, there are a couple events happening city-wide that you'll probably experience at some point during the evening. Newmindspace is back with their Renegade Parade 2009 and our beloved CN Tower is being incorporated into the Bright Lights, Big City installation.
There's bound to be a lot more contemporary art craziness to behold, but hopefully this guide helps to get the night started. If you take a camera with you, please consider adding some photos to the blogTO Flickr pool!
Lead Photo: articlamb of Flickr.
Comments (42)
Yup,
Every year someone who hasn't been, drags/begs me to join them - and every year it sucks. Retards with flashlights and rainjackets put on a better show. I have never heard more people wondering around saying that the whole things is shi%. Seriously, can someone give an honest revue?
Vodka Pool?? Who the hell is going to waste their time staring into a giant puddle of booze, when anyone with half a brain, a set of tastebuds, and a close friend would enjoy a much better time in a bar with a glass of their poison of choice? I have a mind to get wasted, wander on over, and piss in it.
This performance art shit is all about the artist. There is no soul, only glamour. Give me the masters at the AGO any day. Now THAT kind of timeless brilliance endures.
For the record yuppers, this guide is selected from a much larger list of exhibits. These are the ones that I think sound most promising and least pretentious (although it IS an art affair, gotta expect some of the attitude...)
I have yet to see anyone mount a clever anti-Nuit Blanche exhibit or protest... just a lot of haters blowing hot air and claiming [x] could do better. I say put up or or stay shut up indoors next Saturday.
I'm also surprised people don't enjoy the public intoxication element more.. last year it felt like a giant rave at some times. I guess ultimately it depends a) where you go and b) what you make of it.
I disagree. I have always had fun at Nuit Blanche. I would say it is my favourite event of the year. Sure, some of the exhibits/installations suck but overall it is more the experience than any particular exhibit that makes the night. Exploring the city in a different light, enjoying the company of friends.
This is a world class event for a world class city. I should know.. I'm the one who put this event together with your tax dollars
Please learn the difference between "installations" and "performance art" before spouting off your hackneyed opinions.
And you can go right ahead and keep on enjoying Ken Thompson's "timeless and brilliant" toy boat collection at the AGO (somebody has to) - I'm looking forward to going out carousing with my friends on Nuit Blanche.
Thanks for mentioning 'Dance Dance Evolution!' as one of your picks. We at Toronto Public Library are very excited as we gear up towards our all-night celebration of dance. It'll be an all-ages and participatory fun-a-thon - and we hope to see you there.
It's hard to believe that Nuit Blanche is already in its 4th year and it gets better each year; not just the installations, but the careful planning that goes into it (e.g. participation of TTC with all-night day pass, the new mobile app, etc.).
So wishing all the artists and spectators a fabulous night. And fingers crossed for great weather again! :-)
Although I've found the exhibits, on the whole, to have been lacking last year compared to previous years, I'm still going with an optimistic outlook. Naturally, things will vary from year to year.
However, the real problem is not the art, but the increasing numbers of casual (read: intoxicated) couples and groups who decide to visit the exhibits and pack the sidewalks (sometimes to immobility, like last year on Queen) after bar-hopping. The mass numbers of people who want the 'night experience' but really have no interest in art is irritating. Maybe the city ought to host some sort of non-art-related citywide nighttime event in the fall to try to siphon off some of these folks.
Yuppers, you tool. I'll personally fork over $100 as an entrance fee for mounting just ONE public exhibit of any size over the next 12 months (even one that "sucks"). We both know I'll never have to pay up because --as Corina said, you're just like any other gassy hater...long on criticism, short on action.
Elle darling, a puddle of booze is an installation, however transient, as it evaporates...such a waste of good drink. When I first saw the pic, I thought it might be something interesting like a Beever sidewalk illusion, but it basically amounts to nothing at all...piss on a plate.
The AGO a "toy museum"?! Well, better, then, that truculent children such as yourself are kept away from "installations" that have endured over the years and positively influenced countless artists.
Thanks for this - it's nice to have some highlights suggested since there's about 40,000 different things going on. I don't understand why Toronto can only stay up late one night of the year - why not spread these out a bit, maybe giving each 'zone' it's own night?
Oh saltspring. Your whimsical, fey lyricism would make even Shinan Govani blush. ("Truculent children!" Niiice!)
And please enlighten and tell me about the "great masters" of installation art that regularly draws you to the AGO? I have a feeling you have quite a few to share!
But you're right. What do I know about art? Because a measured and logical response to viewing art is to get drunk and piss all over it, just because you don't like it. Y'know, just like that guy who projectile-vomited all over that Raoul Dufy painting at the AGO a few years back! Maybe you two are on to something...
That was Toronto multi-media artist Jubal Brown, about 13 years ago. He did it at the MoMA too. He was a student at OCAD at the time, I believe, and he did it as an artistic response to the stifling environment of galleries.
Although clearly wrong to deliberately attempt to ruin anyone's artwork, I did admire him for the commitment of his actions and the perspective he brought (to me, at least) by doing it.
As for people pissing all over Nuit Blanche, it's a fairly typical response of those who don't get the concept of not having to "like" every artpiece you see, but to understand your own response to it and why it affects you the way it does. Why assume that a pool of vodka is not actually meant to piss you off? Maybe it is. And maybe you are meant to examine why. Or maybe it is simply a crappy installation, and you move on to something else. That is what looking at art IS. You're not going to simply love everything, nor is everything going to, as the first poster so succinctly put it: "suuuuuckkkk".
Well said :)
And unfortunately, I fear Toronto's art community is too jaded with Nuit Blanche (ooo corporate sponsor, eeeevil) and the general public doesn't really engage with art enough to be comfortable with experiencing it (whether the reaction is negative or positive).
Part of the charm of Nuit Blanche is just the city being up all night - it's a great excuse to party in public, without too much concern over being policed. There were some awesome mobile 'pop up' dance parties last year!
For those who DO want to revel in the dark fête this year, without the corporate sponsorship, check out Les Rues Des Refusés, the guide that lists renegade events that aren't part of Nuit Blanche proper. It's a great indie companion to the official event.
LesRuesDesRefuses.com
The first year was the only one really worth a toss (still miss Ballroom Dancing). It was much more interactive with a lot less "misunderstood artist" pretension. These events need to focus more on public and crowd immersion than making a point through shitty half-baked wordplay. Most people look at something for the sake looking at move on. Really the only event I was impressed with last year, and probably will be again this year, is PlayDead's Day of the Dead show at Dufferin and Queen. Bellydancing, Queen St parades all night, craft tables, mascots, screenprinting, skull painting, they really make an event out of it. It's admirable and a lot more fun than this starving artist quartlife crisis bullshit.
This is an event that is catering to an estimated half a million people. Just because it's labeled 'art' doesn't excuse it for being sloppy or boring. This isn't high art, it's the opposite. Its instant low-end application demands that it appeal to its audience in order for anyone to give a shit, which clearly less and less people do. Because it mostly sucks.
When it comes to art some people can become a little...touchy.
My problems with Nuit Blanche revolve more around the problems in infastructure than the mediochre installations.
I think this is where a lot of people's dislike of the event comes into play. It becomes such a hassle getting around and getting into exhibits that people's expectations are heightened. If line ups were shorter, exhibits less crowded and getting around easier I would think most people would enjoy it.
Things that need to be improved:
- Support from local businesses. I had worked in one of the areas until midnight the first year. We didn't really need to be open, but decided to do it to support the neighbourhood. We were asked by Nuit Blanche organizers and agreed...but as the night went on, realized that nobody else was staying open in the area. We got a sudden influx of people coming in after 11 pm as all the coffee shops in the area closed their doors (at their regular time).
Now, its certainly gotten better (at least in terms of the coffee shops who are open much later than the first year). But nobody seems to be willing to do the all nighter.
Even if you're still on your feet, being able to step into a shop or cafe can give you a nice mental break and help you go longer without wanting to go home.
-Better transit. Duh. This is a false hope though. It will never happen. Earlier Sunday service would be a start.
-Branding. Seriously, cool it ScotiaBank. There is such thing as too much branding. Last year I saw ten times as many ScotiaBank logos than I did Nuit Blanche logos and signage. Over branding can end up causing a negative impression on your company and the event you are sponsoring. -Especially- an event like this. You're already getting heat for ScotiaBank Theatre, do you want to piss people off more?
-More traditional art. Let's face it, not everyone is a fan of installations, and while this is the basis of the event, a few traditional exhibits would satiate those in the group of friends that are getting sick of seeing installations that require a certain 'perspective' to appreciate.
-Pretentious people. Could you just please stay home for the enjoyment of everyone else? Thanks.
Things they might have actually gotten right this time:
-Exhibits seem to be closer together. Perhaps this will make it easier for people to walk from one area to the other without causing more strain on the already strained transit system. This seems to be unintentional though. Yorkville is probably out this year due to construction work and not design.
Thanks, I couldn't remember the guy's name (but I remembered the artist's.) I was actually attending OCAD when Brown first pulled his stunt. (I can assure you that projectile vomiting is not normally taught - nor encouraged - in the multi media classes.)
And Ryan L: the TTC is making changes this year for the event: they'll be extending the all-day passes until 6am (I believe.) The passes normally expire by 2am, but the extension is a welcome option.
Yeah, that was a welcomed move by the ttc. I just hope they increase their service accordingly.
Interesting picks. I put them up on our Toronto Nuit Blanche map here - http://www.planeteye.com/maps?ll=43.66,-79.4&z=14&v=1.1&set=map.4082&c=107&refcon=blogto
The TTC is actually running all night on the Bloor-Danforth line from Keele to Woodbine, and from St. Clair West to Eglinton on the Yonge/University/Spadina line. Blue light buses will be available to take riders to the end of each line. TTC Day passes will be valid until 9am on Sunday, October 4th.
There will also be food vendors available in busy spots offering a variety of cuisines (A La Carte vendors) as well as corn on the cob, Tiny Tom donuts and other snacks to keep you going all night.
Finally, with projects closer together and more road closures (Bay St. being most significant) - the pedestrian experience will be greatly improved this year, allowing you to see more projects in less time.
Enjoy your Nuit!
Fynn's of Temple Bar will be offering complimentary coffee and hot chocolate from 12am-6am, for those looking to warm up, refuel, and to keep the gas tank full.. located at 489 king st west, (king/brant), near the fashion house exhibit
Mr Hood - added Fynn's of Temple Bar to the 'Eating and Drinking' section of the map. Thanks for the update.
Manifesto organizers are throwing a MASSIVE party at 52 McCaul Street to close the Chapter 3 Art Show - FYI
And another AWESOME event you shouldn't miss - I'll add all these extras to this map/guide before Friday!!!
Play Day Of The Dead!
"Playdead Cult's Nuit Blanche Festival "
What: Exhibit
Start Time: Saturday, October 3 at 7:00pm
End Time: Sunday, October 4 at 7:00am
Where: The Playdead Mansion
Thanks so much for posting on this! Now I don't feel like my head will explode by choosing the sites to check out.
after going thru pages and pages on the web, I still don't know when this thing starts.. is there a pamphlet that you can pick up somewhere..
It's nice that you covered all the same exhibitions that every other blog/new site is mentioning... you would think there was only 30 or so things happening all night!!
why not give some less-represented things some coverage?? do a tiny bit of research?
For instance, Hart House has a group exhibition called DROP OUT, some of which include 'The F Papers' (a continual reading of papers which have received a failing grade) and 'Cry School Yearbook' where they are giving "gothic, metalhead and stoner" makeovers and taking the participants photos in traditional graduation gowns, diplomas, flowers... and creating a giant yearbook of drop outs! Also in the courtyard there is Food Jammers, creating a large contraption for dispensing food & beverages
anyone looking for "what to see at nuit blanche" posts... just don't bother. Those will all be the sites with the longest lines and boring people. Do some of your own research, or better yet, go out into the night w/o a plan, and just discover things on your own, it will be much more satisfying, trust me!
Thanks for your opinion Heather, but the reason those events aren't on this guide was that they had no appeal to me
The Hart House exhibit will NOT work with a large crowd - most of the guides have caught on that Nuit Blanche exhibits need to facilitate up to a quarter million people wandering by at once.. makeovers and reader papers is (in my experience but humble opinion) a recipe for disaster at nuit blanche.
So don't think I forgot about all the other exhibits or didn't do my research - this list hilights your best bets for entertainment and hassle-free nuitblanching. Anything not on this list just had no appeal to me (like both of the exhibits you mentioned)
Why not take some photos for us Heather - show us where all the good stuff is based on your research. But I'm not putting 'less-represented' exhibits into a guide unless I feel they have some merit.
:P
Dusk till Dawn Jack... just watch the sky and when the sun goes down, it starts. http://www.weather.ca can give you a rough time for sunset - usually around 6:30
is there any event in the gay village? I remember previous years, the village was packed with people and tons of events, but I see nothing on the map this year.. kinda weird? is there like a pamphlet I can pick up at those booths at yonge and dundas?
That's fair. It is YOUR opinion after all, and my comment is MY opinion. we are both entitled to opinions right?
I just want people to know that there -are- other things going on, and just because you say these are the best doesn't mean they are/will be. Like you said, "In my experience, the best exhibits are the ones you have to hunt for - less people find them, and there's an element of discovery that makes the night all the more enjoyable."
And I will make sure to add my photos from the night to the Flickr pool :)
Hey Jack,
Sorry for the latest reply, but here's there's a party the The Barn tonight:
NO COVER
2$ CRAN VODKAS BEFORE 1130
The Barn
418 Church Street
The Barn, you mean their underwear optional party?
BTW, this Nuit Blanche thing really sucks.. it's a waste of time..this will be the last time I went..
Nuit Blanche was terrible this year. A couple of things were good, but mostly - everything was awful. Really poor. Also, what was the deal with Jamie Kennedy Kitchens having a dominating presence throughout Liberty village sampling sausages.
This thing could be so good. But it's so bad. More shart than art.
I really wanted to check out the Gordon Monahan strings installation at Massey Hall but the lines were Wonderland-like. All wasn't lost however as I did find a Phantom of the Opera birdhouse nailed to the side of the building about 30 feet up:
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7429_143627474530_501654530_2589418_818026_n.jpg
Nuit Blanche was HUGE. Some things you might have missed: http://andyewilliams.com/blog/?p=1611
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