The #boxtape Jungle Gym

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Last week, I got to go to the coolest “jungle gym” ever. I got to make it, play in it and adjust it, along with hundreds of other people over the course of five days. I’m talking about #boxtape, presented by Tangente. It wasn’t your typical art exhibit. Along with creators Peter Trosztmer, Jeremy Gordaneer, Thea Patterson, Elinor Fueter, Sonya Stefan, Lois Brown, Nathan Yaffe, Sigrid Patterson, Chi Long, Winnie Ho, Emmalie Ruest, Karen Fennell, Audrée Juteau, Gabriel Painchaud and Robin Pineda, the audience helped in the creation of this performative sculptural piece.

Greeted by the sound of ripping packaging tape, the huge wall to my left was covered in white paper and guidelines, suggestions or instructions for the event:

This is the show.
You are the show.
There is no show.
Only climb as high as you are willing to fall.
Remember you still have a child inside you.
Keep your eyes open.
Close your eyes!
Think before you tape.
Tape without thinking.

Each day, the piece evolved, as tape structures were edited, removed or expanded. There were tape swings, tape bridges, tape webs, chairs suspended in tape, and tape people (yes, as long as you had consent, you could make a tape sculpture of your friend!).

The space was perfect for the endless possibilities it provided. Beams to climb on, an open ceiling, so much space and columns to wrap tape around. Children and adults alike were running around, playing and making art. Although it was dark and the music a little eerie, the room was full of laughter. Here’s hoping that this will not be the last #boxtape event in Montreal!

Tangente’s next show, Tame, choreographed by Lara Kramer, starts tomorrow at Monument-National.