Container Art (day 11)

I'm still feeling weak so I'll keep this brief again. 

The container art show at the PNE was a brainchild of Peter Male who designs the grounds of the PNE including the sand castle competition, the home exhibition (sponsored by Home Depot), the car painting area (old cars that anyone can take a brush to), and many other little experiences that are interspersed with the usual rides and games.   What was interesting to me about the container art show (besides the fact that he put the whole thing together in 4 weeks from call to installation) was the fact that it blended so nicely with the other architecture at the PNE.   There is something a little grungy about the fair grounds...something you would expect when you pay your entrance fee: the smell of greasy food, the call to play the games, the dings and clangs and bells, the crowds, the screams.   To fit contemporary art in the midst of all that is no mean feat.   To me, the containers were the bridge (and they were literally positioned that way) between the grunge and the art.  And as Kyla observed, the people did read the space created by the containers as a gallery space worthy of a slower pace and greater attention to detail. 

There is so much to say about the atmosphere of the place.  There is music in the background, but individual containers can also have their own soundscape (one did, to great effect).    Some containers are blocked off so you can only look in.  Others are fully immersive experiences, a kind of low-tech cave.   There were only eight containers so not an overwhelming amount.  People can wander in and out on their way between places.   At night the space transforms into a more live space with lights and louder music.  Some of the containers specifically played to that time of day with well placed subtle lighting. 

Container art is a growing movement apparently.  I learned a lot just from hearing Peter talk about its origins in Italy.   The appeal is its ability to come in, contain art, and get out.   Very little footprint and no permanent marks.    I'm not sure how Emily Carr will be involved in future container art exhibits but it seems like an exciting design and art challenge that we'd be crazy to pass up.