probably one of the most interesting things i did while in paris was go to nuit blanche. i was alone in the city at that point, so i started early - which ended up being a good idea because the lineups get out of control there, although the quality of art/installations is better than toronto (not much of a shocker).
one of the installations that stuck with me the most was indoors. a few people at a time, you would go into a room that was fairly large, and pitch dark except the dim red digital times coming from a wall of clock radios. at first it could have seemed a bit odd after waiting 45 minutes in line, but i thought it was so fascinating, and actually everyone else seemed to as well (even a little boy who broke the silence, "papa, c'est quoi?").
i liked that every clock radio was different. it was as if the artist stole a bunch from random apartments in paris that night like robin hood, and was holding them to see what would happen in the morning when everyone needs to get up and run the city. this mechanism keeps us in line with each other socially and professionally, is common to almost everyone, and is yet so private because of its placement at our bedside. also i have a neverending fascination with time.
