Inside, there were more Nuit Blanche installations. People were scratching their heads over Cascade. Inside Walker Court, a group of people (local folks with circus training) were wandering around, twitching and repeating movements. It looked like a convention of OCD or Tourette sufferers. But there were 4 circus ropes hanging from the ceiling. They would calm down if they pulled and contorted themselves up the rope. Elsewhere, if you were dabbed with invisible ink by hazmat-suited personnel, you can head over to Half-Life to see your markings under black light. Finally, at the sound-proof Screaming Booth, you can vent any frustrations or perhaps simply take a short quiet break.
The AGO advertises the big exhibits: Frieda Kahlo, Picasso, and currently Alex Colville. But you tend to forget that new art installations are also done in the main galleries. I was taken with the impressive collection of Native art currently on display. There were historical artefacts, old paintings, and modern take on traditional styles or themes. I enjoyed the "kitschy" room, where humorous art commented on the interaction between mainstream and Aboriginals such as a "Mona Lisa" painting of an Indian "princess" in full regalia. I particularly loved Lifestyles. This set of 4 photos depicted 4 rooms inside an apartment filled to the brim with Indian tchotchkes from the usual suspects: dream catchers and colourful shawls; to Pocahontas t-shirts; fringed suede purses; kitchen stuff; et al. Obviously, this was not so subtle commentary about Native chic (timely with the current fashion trend of wearing feather headdress). But what made the piece was the couple who "lived there", two Native-Americans who were themselves fully bedecked in kitschy Indian clothes. Do they make Native chic cool or acceptable if they embraced it? Ethics aside, this home looked more fun and welcoming than my own. I want to live there, dubious politics notwithstanding.
