2009 Nuit Blanche
Lots to do tonight during Toronto’s Nuit Blanche so I though I might as well share my short list itinerary for those who are interested…
The Sonic Fun House, Christine Duncan’s Element Choir & Orchestra
Atrium On Bay, 40 Dundas W, Zone A
Not so much “fun” as “housed” in the contorted halls of The Atrium On Bay, this piece will have audiences trying to emulate choir director Christine Duncan’s unique instructions to create an endless cacophony.
Rabbit Balloon, Jeff Koons
Toronto Eaton Centre, Trinity Way, 220 Yonge, Zone A
Marquee artist Jeff Koons lends his oversized silver bunny to the already surreal digs of the Eaton Centre. Facebook profile pic opp, anyone?
As Could Be, Paulette Phillips
Old Bank Of Toronto Building, 205 Yonge (rear entrance), Zone A
There will be fog: Paulette Phillips projects three-dimensional animation onto the substance, inspired by a 1917 architectural model by Vladmir Tatlin. In addition, a looped voice installation will feature Torontonians talking about their work — as if you could get them to shut up.
Vodka Pool, Dan Mihaltianu
Lobby of Commerce Court West, 25 King W., Zone B
At the only exhibit where you could potentially lick the floor, a glistening pool of 80-proof vodka will soak up viewers’ attentions all night long.
Monopoly with Real Money (K-os and Yasmine Warsame are among the players)
TMX Broadcast Centre (the Exchange Tower, 130 King St. W.)
Dance of the Cranes, Brandon Vickerd
Liberty Towers Construction Site, Liberty E. and Pirandello, Zone C
In collaboration with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Toronto artist Brandon Vickerd has choreographed a 13-minute dance between two construction cranes. Could it be Swan Lake for meatheads?
Space Becomes the Instrument (2009) by Gordon Monahan.
Huge loudspeakers swaying across Massey Hall resonate with the sounds produced by live performers plucking modified piano wires.
Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St. (enter through Victoria St. entrance.) Zone A
Battle Royal (2009).
In art’s version of a WWF cage match, 20 men in a steel cage will fight each other ritualistically until only one is left standing. New York artist Shaun El.C.Leonardo is recalling what passed for entertainment in the Old South, where black men in cages fought each other to the death before white audiences. Toronto Coach Terminal, 610 Bay St. Zone A
(IF THE WHITE GUILT DOESN’T KILL US FIRST)
Wild Ride (2009), by Winnipeg’s Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan.
Part of Bay St. is closed for this interactive event and turned into a circus-like midway complete with rides. All the thrills and chills in the rides should remind everyone of the market’s own sudden plunges and abrupt climbs.
Bay St. between Adelaide St W. and King St. W. – Zone B
Surrounded in Tears (2004-2009)
London-based artist Oswaldo Maciá fills a enormous empty space with wave after wave of the sounds of people crying. The next room houses Maria Legault’s The Apology Project (2009), where 55 people in paper bags spend the night apologizing to strangers. Liberty Market Building Atrium Corridor, 171 East Liberty St. – Zone C
The Lost and Found Forest, Jerome McGrath, Rina Grosman
Atlantic, South, at GO Station entrance, Zone C
Recreating our lost habitat, a darkened street becomes a man-made forest of string, nails and an electro soundscape.
Toronto Public Library, Dance Dance Evolution!
Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge, Zone A
Nothing’s more wholesome than an all-ages dance party at the Toronto Reference Library. Unless, of course, you’re sloshed.




