We interrupt this leisurely art project for an important new break.
Much ballyhoo this past week with the news that Ryerson University is trying to back out of its promise to save and reinstall the famous Sam the Record Man neon sign in Toronto. CBC Radio’s Jian Gomeshi, no stranger to vinyl records, has stepped in with this audio essay. More coverage in The Star, and this f-bomb-laden (and hilarious) article on The Grid.
Ryerson and its architects (still) seem to be missing the point: Clearly, lots of people remember the neon sign fondly, in all its hulking, garish, kitschy beauty, and they want to see it again. In all its hulking, garish, kitschy beauty. Sidewalk mementos and brass plaques won’t do.