Come Up To My Room (CUTMR) at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto is an annual alternative design event that has delighted Toronto audiences over a decade, exposing them to new creative forms. Taking place from January 16-25, 2015, the design exhibit blurs the lines between design, craft, fine art, performance, landscape design and sound installation.
The Gladstone Hotel is a unique space as the only venue that shows site-specific installations, which will be displayed on all floors of this landmark hotel.
Come Up To My Room 2015 features all-new exhibits, a band night, and a symposium.
Walking around the Gladstone, we noticed the hotel has a dramatic faux fire on the green roof. The orange plastic installation, entitled Orange Crush, is an ode to the construction wave. The plastic, when lit up, looks like giant flames of fire.
As we look around on the main floor, we notice mirrors rotating on the ceiling, casting different colours in fluid motion. We stood there transfixed by the perpetual motion when a man approached and began to talk to us. After a few words, he introduced himself as Alan Webb, the Reflections on Rotation artist, and described how he created the piece. What is so unique about this event is that it gives people a chance to ask the artist questions directly. We were curious as to what the art is and why he made it. Many of the artists were there or, sometimes, a partner was there in their place. The relaxed format of the event takes the intimidation out of art and design.
Innerventions involves a series of subtle interventions found throughout the Gladstone. Signs have been installed in various locations – be a keen observer and spot the signs. Yield to read the sign and then meander along, accept shifting viewpoints.
In addition to the CUTMR art and design, some rooms are open for viewing and I highly recommend seeing them. Taking advantage of the building’s original 19th century Victorian architecture, exposed brick walls and high ceilings, local Canadian artists have come together to transform the Gladstone’s 37 hotel rooms into experimental, alternative works of art, making this boutique hotel one of Toronto’s favourite Art Hotels. It is a wonderful treat to see the rooms. Many of us considered staying a night at the Gladstone.
In one of the staged rooms, the occupants are listening in on their neighbours. We could hear the sounds of the next room and… let’s just say um… they were very busy.
Drinks are served under the blue fibre optic / radiant light piece. These gorgeous installation pieces reflect transient patterns of light and colour. People seem intriguing and discussions are more compelling in this luminescent and ambient space.
This pile of pop bottles, which mimics a stained glass window, is part of the Oh Thank Heaven art pieces, an exploration of urban detachment and the compulsion to discover or designate unconventional spaces as sacred. Might be the most beautiful collection of pop bottles we’ve seen.
I didn’t capture the name or description of this piece just outside of the washroom on the main floor, but it is too cool to not share. The spiral circle spins as the suspended doll is ready to deliver some karate moves. Perhaps the animals are products of the earth which is in continual motion. Is the guy trying to interfere with creation? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
CUTMR 2015 plays a pivotal role in connecting audiences with the inspiring talents of contemporary Toronto artists. Join the scene.
Come Up To My Room 2015 runs January 16 to 25, 2015 at the Gladstone Hotel
Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. *open late for programs
Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
*3rd and 4th floor installations will be open for viewing from January 10 to March 29, 2015, daily from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
