Since 2010, Art Spin have been transforming the way contemporary art is experienced in Toronto, Ontario. The not-for-profit was created by Layne Hinton and Rui Pimenta, whose focus on accessibility has resulted in unique programming that highlights the diverse range of artistic disciplines and expands the definition of public art.
The duo has built a reputation for engaging audiences in non-traditional art spaces by organising curated, bicycle-led tours through decommissioned schools, churches, industrial spaces, self-storage facilities, and even an underground parking garage. Public Sweat, their most recent project, diversifies this experience by immersing participants in a sauna village designed and built by artists to function both as an art installation and a communal hot space.
As with Art Spin, Public Sweat is motivated by their desire to provide access to programming for as varied an audience as possible – including those who might not normally visit galleries or museums: “For many, these more traditional spaces for experiencing art can feel intimidating and uninviting,” the pair note. “It was very much a priority for Art Spin to present programming that was accessible while still being thoughtful and engaging in its curation.”
Hinton and Pimenta work with artists, partners, and different team members to oversee and direct every aspect of their projects “in a very hands-on manner”. This approach enables them to realise their vision with a high level of personalised care that they take great pride in – and which elevates the quality of their programming and audience experience: “Our Co-Director/Co-Curator working method not only makes this possible, but it’s ultimately so much more fun and rewarding to have someone to work with and share in the highs and lows that each project brings.”
As an embodiment of Art Spin’s approach to art programming, Public Sweat is a communal space that creates new entry points to experience and interpret art. “The sauna village of Public Sweat is home to five sweat bathing structures, each designed and built by a different artist or collective, to function both as an art installation and a communal hot space,” Hinton and Pimenta explain. “The saunas range in size and design, each offering their unique experience” by incorporating features like wood, granite floors, felt, and metal exteriors, skylights and digital art.
These exceptional architectural structures have been created by artists with a connection to sweat-bathing culture:
- The project’s technical director Chris Foster has brought his Finnish-style “Mobile Sweat” trailer – complete with rotating video art on its interior wall – to the village for the third time. (It has already been displayed twice at the Harbourfront Centre.)
- Christie Pearson’s “Geospheric Sweatbath” combines the architect’s research into diverse bathing practices with a geometric design that is enhanced by electronic artist Rob Cruickshank’s vibratory sensation.
- Simone Jones’ “Abandoned Splendour” installation is inspired by Victorian-era wood burners and incorporates her love of cinema, with the assistance of audio artist Mitchell Akiyama.
- SHEEEP.Studio’s “Garmabeh,” led by Reza Nik and Connor Stevens, is influenced by ancient Iranian bathhouses, and refers to the culture’s traditional medicinal temperaments of hot, cold, dry, and wet.
- Kim Kozzi and Dai Skuse, who are known as the artist collective FASTWÜRMS, have transformed a sauna barrel’s exterior into a burst of colours inspired by volcanoes.
- And for those seeking a cool-down, Rihab Essayh’s “A Caress Before Dawn” employs hand-dyed textiles to create a sense of soft tactility, and the heat decreases.
The duo sees Public Sweat as a “social experiment of sorts, where we’ve created a unique setting for bringing together and setting up the possibility for interpersonal connection and communication”. The sauna and bathing space allow for new and diverse groups to share the space together. The village also offers an artist-designed greenhouse for resting, hammocks, a campfire, and a cold rinse station to complement the hot and cold thermal cycles. Guests can use the lounge space to take in art, relax with friends, and listen to live music performances.
Hinton and Pimenta encourage participants to dive deeply into the ideas that artists present through their installations – and use them to open up conversation with strangers in the sauna: “There are lots of artistic details, some very subtle, that should not be missed.” They also recommend the full thermal experience as the best way to fully experience the project: “while it may feel uncomfortable for some, we find it’s always rewarding afterwards, when you feel good and relaxed.” And if you’re worried you may find it too hot, fear not: various temperature ranges are available in the different saunas. Finally, “for those who are more interested in the art without the sweat, we’re excited to be hosting two free events called the ‘No Sweat Open House’ where we open our doors for artist talks and Q&As for people who are interested in visiting the project without doing a sauna.”
Public Sweat is a unique fusion of art, sauna culture, and sweat bathing. Book tickets at publicsweat.com, and find this community experience at the North East Grounds of Harbourfront Centre at 225 Queens Quay W until April 23rd.
© Arpita Ghosal, SesayArts Magazine, 2023
