Temporary Projects 22 Wilson Street
I fell down the rabbit hole and into the world of Temporary Projects this fall. I fully intended to document the night the first time I attended one of their events, but that mindset went to pieces once I got there – I was just too busy taking everything in. Now, my third time around, I knew I had to log it as an official tour stop.
The first event I attended featured some riot grrrl type bands from the West Coast, including Katie and the Lichen. The second time boasted an impressive jazz ensemble that never tired and completely set the ambience for the night. Every time I go, I encounter new intelligent, eccentric, creative, colourful characters. It’s the type of place where you can just walk up to anyone and start talking. You can enter into it not knowing anyone and leave with new friends. Not to mention the variety of local art that is displayed, in all its forms. It’s always a sensory overload.
But let me back things up a bit. What is Temporary Projects? Located inside the legendary Sonic Unyon building, Dorian Batycka, a McMaster student and TA, set up the multipurpose loft – part gallery, workspace, dance floor, Temporary Autonomous Zone? It’s experimental; it’s anything you want it to be.
Being part of the burgeoning artistic and cultural James Street North area, Temp Projects fits in perfectly. As well as throwing events throughout the year and hosting weekly gatherings, they are also part of the monthly James North Art Crawl. This particular event was an extension of their January Art Crawl exhibition, featuring video works by Amy McIntosh, Connor Crawford, Connor Olthuis, and Andrew O’Connor and photography by Ariel Bader-Shamai, Aaron Joo, and Kearon Roy-Taylor. I chatted with Ariel, a third year Art History major at McMaster, who was excited to be displaying her photography for the first time. Providing the sonic atmosphere for the night, the aforementioned jazz ensemble Hysteria Sibernia (comprised of Connor Bennett, Chris Ferguson, Aaron Hutchinson, and Joshua Wiener) were back at it. They put on a fantastic show yet again.
Once again, I left feeling like the proverbial Alice and can’t wait for my next trip to this wonderland. Keep an eye on their blog for upcoming events.
– Kristin
