Nuit Blanche - Witches Cradle 10/3/2009 10:43:53PM

In the cathedral like space of Brookfield Place, participants are deprived of sight and hearing, and suspended in cradles. The act is hypnotic. Would have liked to hear the experiences of those who entered the cradles.

Witches' Cradles, 2009

Center for Tactical Magic - California, USA

Multimedia Installation

Stepping into the cathedral-like space, visitors encounter a line of witches' cradles suspended from the ceiling. Originally used to punish those accused of witchcraft in the Middle Ages, these gently swaying pods were later reclaimed by witches and used to induce prophetic visions. One by one, audience members can enter and experience the cradles. Through random swaying and the careful control of one's senses, the witches' cradles disrupt the vestibular sense and create subtle shifts in consciousness. In the Nuit Blanche context of visual and auditory overload, this work uses sensory deprivation to bring forth the possibility of altered states.

Inspired by studies with a private investigator, a magician and a ninja, the Center for Tactical Magic is dedicated to the coalescence of art, technology, magic, and positive social change. Working across barriers of art, design, architecture, and community service, CTMs collaborations have involved hypnotists, locksmiths, members of the Black Panther Party, radical ecologists, and the American Red Cross. TCM infiltrates multiple spheres of influence with notions of responsible citizenship through creative action.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Nuit Blanche
• Nuit Blanche Toronto
• October 3 2009
• Witches Cradle
• Brookefield Place
• BCE Place