Nuit Blanche September 23, 2023 / 7 pm – 7 am
Richmond 401 & Commerce Court / by Elin MacRae
Micki-Lee Smith with Adam Kaleta and Zakriya Bashir-Hill, Submerge, multi-media composition using “naturally derived samples”, in addition to electronically produced sound, it represents the ways in which sound can be a form of pollution. In a dark and near-empty room at 401 Richmond, there stands a glowing façade of water, waves moving at the whim of a nob adjusting the vibrations’ intensities. Audiences experience the perspective of underwater environments disrupted by booming and haunting sounds. This installment is a larger statement about the human impact of noise pollution on our oceans.
Micki-Lee Smith with Adam Kaleta and Zakriya Bashir-Hill, Submerge, 2023, multi-media composition (left) & detail with the water pool (right)
As shakers, tingshas, speakers, and singers project into the microphone, the art forming on the brick wall of 401 Richmond responds to the sound, reacting in vibrant and dazzling ways. This interactive installation speaks about how increasingly divorced humans are the result of isolating themselves from the natural world, and from one another. The art encourages the viewer (and noise-maker) to imagine a prosperous and flourishing world, where every voice matters.
Magfoto and Cymatiste, Urban Arboretum, 2023, interactive installation
With phragmite reeds gathered from High Park, Indigenous artist Bonnie Devine and her team braided and assembled the grass in a large circle to create a focus for interaction and awareness. Throughout the night, the circle was animated by performances from Dr. Duke Redbird, Raven Davis, Maria Hupfield, and Ange Loft. Situated in Commerce Court, the intention of this installation is to invite discussion and dialogue regarding this location’s past, present, and future, and to learn about the rich cultural history of Indigenous folk.
Bonnie Devine with Duke Rebird, Raven Davis, Maria Hupfield, and Ange Loft, A Circle of Enquiry for a Dish with One Spoon, 2023, installation
A Photo Journal / by Dylan MacHattie
A Void by Voidz Studio IDFK, 190 McCaul St.
She work hard for it by Lido Pimienta, Maria Qamar (Hatecopy) and Miss Me!, 100 Queen St. W.
Row, pow, row your boat by Anupa Khemadasa, 19 Trinity Square
Crack in the Case by elsewhere collective, Toronto Metropolitan University Creative School Innovation Studio, 110 Bond St.
The Returning by Keitha Keeshig – Tobias Biizzindam, Native Art Society, 115 Church St.
Your wish is your command by Divya Mehra, TD Centre, 75 King St.
Living Room by Hannah Busse, Richmond-Adelaide Centre, 130 Adelaide St.
Beyond Concrete Feat, Balete, Bulate, Bituka, Bentway Skate Trail, 250 Fort York Blvd.