For the fourth consecutive year, Halifax has held a city-wide nighttime art show. Nocturne. Free admission to galleries. Temporary installations created throughout the city. It's a wonderful event. And one that I look forward to each October. But this year, I noticed some . . . differences.
Perhaps in the beginning, contributors were inspired by the darkness that would surround their work. Or maybe by the timing of the event in mid-October. Because many of those early installations possessed an aura of creepiness.
From ghostly figures on lamp posts.
To a dimly-lit graveyard of suitcases.
To a decaying mermaid.
This year, however, the over-riding theme appeared to be bubbles and balloons. Still enjoyable, but overall, a shinier, happier Nocturne.
I painted with light at the Discovery Centre while bubbles spilled out into the street. I listened to my heartbeat amplified through a pulsating pink and white, fibre optic jellyfish. I re-created the experience of a car (sort of) while passing through the Happy Wash.
In retrospect, I think the creepiest part of the night had to be the two giant birds who built a room full of balloons containing the live Tweets they received during the evening.
But then again, I find most feathered creatures disturbing.
Perhaps in the beginning, contributors were inspired by the darkness that would surround their work. Or maybe by the timing of the event in mid-October. Because many of those early installations possessed an aura of creepiness.
From ghostly figures on lamp posts.
To a dimly-lit graveyard of suitcases.
To a decaying mermaid.
This year, however, the over-riding theme appeared to be bubbles and balloons. Still enjoyable, but overall, a shinier, happier Nocturne.
I painted with light at the Discovery Centre while bubbles spilled out into the street. I listened to my heartbeat amplified through a pulsating pink and white, fibre optic jellyfish. I re-created the experience of a car (sort of) while passing through the Happy Wash.
In retrospect, I think the creepiest part of the night had to be the two giant birds who built a room full of balloons containing the live Tweets they received during the evening.
But then again, I find most feathered creatures disturbing.