My PIR co-workers, Liz and I visited the Massive Change exhibit last week at the AGO. I didn't know what to expect of the exhibit, however, I understood from reading casually in the media that it has some planning disciplines involved in it. Of course, I jumped on the chance to see it before it closed last Sunday.

Massive Change looks at the world of design and how these 'human advances' changed the way we live. Initiated by the renown Canadian Bruce Mau, the exhibit looks at how humans have reactively changed over time through technological advances to manage and deal with the pressing demands of the time (e.g. solar power, banning of CFCs), while at the same time, design has also proactively shaped our society as well.

Through all sorts of different communication methods- videos, audio clips, photos, models, satellite images- Massive Change was indeed a visual masterpiece. Liz and I were saying how we were inspired to redecorate our rooms to fit some of these designs.

The concluding exhibits were indeed the most interesting. Although Massive Change investigated how humans have found ways to control and influence the forces of nature, the last exhibit probed our sense of morality and ethics by asking us where we should draw the line in attempt to "better" human life. Pressing issues such as human cloning, pharmaceutical debates, genetically modified foods, and other bioethical issues were discussed. Pros and cons where illustrated, and each visior had the opportunity to have their say though an interesting voting system- by putting a sheet of coloured paper in two transparent "Yes" or "No" bins. Through my casual analysis, people generally supported these often very ethically-charged developments. (I'm hope you can sense generally which side I'm on.)

It was so good that we didn't have a chance to see all the exhibits. (And they rudely kicked people out after 9:00).

Check out a few picture from my Flickr page.

Comments (5)

Body Works 2 is the latest exhibit at the Ontario Science Centre that displays real body parts and preserved through a medical process called plastination. These bodies often have their skin ripped and pulled open to reveal the interal organs and how they connect and relate to each other. These bodies are also displayed in abstract poses depicting a wide range of athletes-- figure skaters, pole vaulters, alpine skiier, just to name a few.

I have no photos to show you from the exhibit, since cameras were not allowed to be used. You don't know how disappointed was I was at that. But then again, they are real bodies, and now that I think about it, it might not be such a good idea.

As it is late, I won't bother to go to the details, but I do suggest reading a bravo review from good fellow Planning big brother and friend, Felix. For some weird reason, even though I don't talk or hang out with him too much, I find myself attending the same kind of events and activities. Haha.

We also ventured around the other exhibits at the Science Centre. Although I keep hearing that not much as changed, I really didn't recall many of the exhibits. The only thing that really stuck out of my mind was that static ball that makes your hair stick up, and the "mouse trap" like contraption at the Sports section.

In a Planning aside statement, I have to say that I hate the location of the Science Centre. It's in probably the most transit-infriendly and tourist-infriendly area, at least put it on the transit line for crying out loud. The car lanes at Don Mills and Eglinton totally resembles Hurontario Street in Mississauga. 8 to 9 lanes surrounded by dispersed office towers. Yuck.

Well, at least Square One has a transit terminal.

But back to Body Worlds. If you don't have a weak stomach, I totally suggest you to check out Body Worlds. The exhibit ends February 26.

Random Thoughts and Rants...: Body World 2 @ Ontario Science Centre - [blogspot.com]
Ontario Science Centre: BODY WORLDS 2 - [ontariosciencecentre.ca]

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A pretty darn good show, methinks.

Dylan had his AGO pass this weekend, so I definitely jumped to the opportunity to see Andy Warhol. The show, Supernova: Stars, Deaths and Disasters, showcased a small collection of his video and famous silkscreen pieces of celebrities like Elvis Presley and Elizabeth Taylor.

There were no soup cans featured in this exhibit.

Curated by film director David Cronenberg (A History of Violence), the show, really helped to better understand Warhol and his intrigue to themes related to facial expressions, celebrities, and its odd but fitting relationships with elements of 'disaster'. What really struck a chord with me is his way of creatively communicating (whether it was intended or not) to us that everyone can be "celebrated" in some way-- just that it however might not be as glamourous as what one might think, some twisted but effective.

The feeling is weirdly comforting but also wonderfully disturbing.

Fascinatingly weird, no?

I don't divulge anymore; just go see it. The show opens until October 22.

Andy Warhol - [ago.net]
Andy Warhol - [wikipedia.org]

Comments (3)