unheralded nuit blanche projects department

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Shoe Comparison

What do your shoes say about the state of the economy and those who have benefitted or suffered from the recent economic malaise? Are fresh shoes a sign of hope and progress? Do well-worn shoes indicate degrees of comfort with one's position or a sign of incipient poverty? To communicate the differences between economic conditions and perceptions in Canada and the United States, shoes used in this performance art piece were acquired at shopping centres in Niagara Falls, New York and Toronto, Ontario. Participants will be encouraged to sit next to fake green plants to contemplate the theoretical artificiality of economic and monetary concepts.

Performed between 4 and 5 A.M. at Brookfield Place in Zone B, October 4, 2009

In Reality: the energy boost provided by heaping helpings of Greek food at midnight had faded by the time I snapped pictures of our shoes during a rest break. Sarah had invested in a comfy pair of walking shoes earlier in the day, which paid off during our Nuit Blanche wanderings.

A full report and selection of links about the evening is forthcoming—in the meantime, enjoy some photos, notes from the night, and suggestions for improvement. - JB

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