“The Storefront”
Narwhal Window Installation
Posted on 24 July 2011
The Storefront
Joele Walinga and Alicia Nauta
Narwhal Projects
2988 Dundas St West
Toronto, ON, Canada
‘I am for an art that grows up not knowing it is art at all, an art given the chance of having a starting point of zero.’
Claes Oldenburg
Walking down a Toronto street it is difficult to ignore the beckon of the windows where stoves and bathtubs, plants, mannequins, sleeping cats, unconvincing advertisements, cleaning equipment, wigs, desks with people at them, bins and racks of coloured fabrics, and wooden handmade shelves full of oranges and some greenery from something coniferous stare you straight in the eye. These storefronts were created through personal collections and years of accumulation, and often act as a time capsule to another era.
By recreating our version of an ‘old world’ store front, we pay homage to these sun faded and unusual pairings; bringing the commonplace into a window that strives to be uncommon. The Storefront is a celebratory piece: through the reassignment of these practical objects we wish to give credit and appreciation to the vast and inherent creativity that exists in everyone, regardless of career.
