Kissing Project
Google Street View tableaux portraits, C41 exhibition prints (36" x 24")
Oxygen Art Centre, Nelson, BC, Canada Arts Commission
2016-2017
Sylvia had the opportunity to view a photograph of an older Doukhobor couple kissing as part of the collections held at the Touchstones Nelson: Museum of Art and History.
Google Street View tableaux portraits, C41 exhibition prints (36" x 24")
Oxygen Art Centre, Nelson, BC, Canada Arts Commission
2016-2017
Sylvia had the opportunity to view a photograph of an older Doukhobor couple kissing as part of the collections held at the Touchstones Nelson: Museum of Art and History.
Touchstones Nelson: Doukhobor couple kissing. Accession no. 2008.023.320. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History
This unassuming black and white image became an inspirational point for her project. The image shows a past era - the 1950s - when Nelson wasn’t yet defined as a tourist or cultural destination. The scene in the photograph also reveals a surprising energy and spontaneity, inviting viewers to reflect on Nelson and its residents at a historic moment in time.
The photograph of Nelson’s “kissing couple” is iconic. It’s equally as interesting and dynamic as some of the best-known 20th-century images taken by photojournalists in the same time frame. Photographer, Robert Doisneau (1912-1994) was commissioned by the French government to capture a series of couples kissing across Paris to show the positive World War II recovery process in the city as people returned to the streets, optimistic and hopeful. One of Doisneau’s most iconic portraits was made near the Hôtel de Ville, showing a couple embracing and kissing in the city centre. The couple became a symbol of love in Paris – and its powerful imagery endures today.
With these ideas in mind, the artist was interested in using social media as well as Google Street View to stage urban portraits that challenge how we can experience, think and define a place. The exploration of locality was critical to the project. In particular Sylvia was interested to question ~
Can an artist enrich Nelson’s status as a cultural capital? | | Can Nelson be the new Paris of the North—a city of love?
As part of Sylvia's project she wanted there to be an opportunity for the city of Nelson itself to be pictured in the artwork – and share the limelight as a key locale beyond a recreational site. Often portraits of kissing couples are at the centre of the image and the background is less visible or hidden. In the Nelson series, she created 360-degree panoramas so viewers can navigate around the portrait as well as explore the surrounding cityscape. The portraits themselves represent a new chapter in the city of Nelson. They further represent an artistic space where the streets of Nelson and its people are powerful dynamic subjects rather than still forms in a photographic image.
Importantly, the project recognizes and respects the fact that the city of Nelson is diverse, with communities encompassing First Nations, young families, recent immigrants from Syria, to a thriving lesbian and gay community. Like the photo of the Doukhobor couple – the image shows that love and peace are powerful and uniting symbols. As south of the border struggles with civil liberties, Nelson, BC can readily show how diverse, embracing hopeful and creative places can thrive.
The series consists of fourteen Google Street View enabled portraits and prints. Each of the kissing project participants was invited to write something about their select shoot location and/or their kissing partner:
This unassuming black and white image became an inspirational point for her project. The image shows a past era - the 1950s - when Nelson wasn’t yet defined as a tourist or cultural destination. The scene in the photograph also reveals a surprising energy and spontaneity, inviting viewers to reflect on Nelson and its residents at a historic moment in time.
The photograph of Nelson’s “kissing couple” is iconic. It’s equally as interesting and dynamic as some of the best-known 20th-century images taken by photojournalists in the same time frame. Photographer, Robert Doisneau (1912-1994) was commissioned by the French government to capture a series of couples kissing across Paris to show the positive World War II recovery process in the city as people returned to the streets, optimistic and hopeful. One of Doisneau’s most iconic portraits was made near the Hôtel de Ville, showing a couple embracing and kissing in the city centre. The couple became a symbol of love in Paris – and its powerful imagery endures today.
With these ideas in mind, the artist was interested in using social media as well as Google Street View to stage urban portraits that challenge how we can experience, think and define a place. The exploration of locality was critical to the project. In particular Sylvia was interested to question ~
Can an artist enrich Nelson’s status as a cultural capital? | | Can Nelson be the new Paris of the North—a city of love?
As part of Sylvia's project she wanted there to be an opportunity for the city of Nelson itself to be pictured in the artwork – and share the limelight as a key locale beyond a recreational site. Often portraits of kissing couples are at the centre of the image and the background is less visible or hidden. In the Nelson series, she created 360-degree panoramas so viewers can navigate around the portrait as well as explore the surrounding cityscape. The portraits themselves represent a new chapter in the city of Nelson. They further represent an artistic space where the streets of Nelson and its people are powerful dynamic subjects rather than still forms in a photographic image.
Importantly, the project recognizes and respects the fact that the city of Nelson is diverse, with communities encompassing First Nations, young families, recent immigrants from Syria, to a thriving lesbian and gay community. Like the photo of the Doukhobor couple – the image shows that love and peace are powerful and uniting symbols. As south of the border struggles with civil liberties, Nelson, BC can readily show how diverse, embracing hopeful and creative places can thrive.
The series consists of fourteen Google Street View enabled portraits and prints. Each of the kissing project participants was invited to write something about their select shoot location and/or their kissing partner:
Holly and John Strilaeff by the Courthouse
http://tinyurl.com/y92cdrdj
Holly:
I was interested in participating in the project, since April 7th (the day of the shoot) was my 38th wedding anniversary. My husband and I hope to be the new Doukhobor couple in relation to the Touchstones' archival image. Our image has been shot in the very location of the Touchstones’ image and with this image we hope to share our love with others.
http://tinyurl.com/y92cdrdj
Holly:
I was interested in participating in the project, since April 7th (the day of the shoot) was my 38th wedding anniversary. My husband and I hope to be the new Doukhobor couple in relation to the Touchstones' archival image. Our image has been shot in the very location of the Touchstones’ image and with this image we hope to share our love with others.
Amelia Bressey Chapman, Suki (dog), and Mariposa Bressey, Historic Town photo murals, Baker Street, Nelson http://tinyurl.com/ydaydzrd
Ameila:
My dog, Suki, is my kissing buddy. I've had Suki for 13 years as of Christmas. I wanted to take the photo on Baker Street because that's where I make people happy! I make cookies or flatbread and give these out to homeless people. When I take Suki with me almost every one recognizes her on Baker Street and loves her company.
Ameila:
My dog, Suki, is my kissing buddy. I've had Suki for 13 years as of Christmas. I wanted to take the photo on Baker Street because that's where I make people happy! I make cookies or flatbread and give these out to homeless people. When I take Suki with me almost every one recognizes her on Baker Street and loves her company.
John and Theresa Southam, Waits News, Baker Street
http://tinyurl.com/y7bfbk4r
John and Theresa:
Waits News is one of the places we first met 30 years ago before we married. We later fed our children ice
cream there. It’s the centre of town, and the meeting place for so many. To us - it’s really amazing that the shop still maintains its original layout.
http://tinyurl.com/y7bfbk4r
John and Theresa:
Waits News is one of the places we first met 30 years ago before we married. We later fed our children ice
cream there. It’s the centre of town, and the meeting place for so many. To us - it’s really amazing that the shop still maintains its original layout.
Laurie Carr with her daughter and son, Herridge Lane
Laurie:
The staircases are a iconic reminder that we live on a mountain. These stairs used to be insurmountable when the kids were small and now they can run up them! Time flies with each step.
Laurie:
The staircases are a iconic reminder that we live on a mountain. These stairs used to be insurmountable when the kids were small and now they can run up them! Time flies with each step.
Mary Whitlock and Nancy Rosenblum, Cottonwood Falls
http://tinyurl.com/y7v7gf3g
Nancy:
We’ve been in a 33 year relationship and counting. Mary and I live above the falls in Rosemont and hear the sound of the water falling year round. We walk to Cottonwood often and stand on the bridge and on the rocks close to the falls and let the water take us...
We feel so fortunate to have this astounding, inspirational, wonderous waterfall so close. And we're horrified the City of Nelson is considering developing the site with housing. Cottonwood Falls and Park is for THE PEOPLE of Nelson and its visitors in this alarming time of ever decreasing natural space.
http://tinyurl.com/y7v7gf3g
Nancy:
We’ve been in a 33 year relationship and counting. Mary and I live above the falls in Rosemont and hear the sound of the water falling year round. We walk to Cottonwood often and stand on the bridge and on the rocks close to the falls and let the water take us...
We feel so fortunate to have this astounding, inspirational, wonderous waterfall so close. And we're horrified the City of Nelson is considering developing the site with housing. Cottonwood Falls and Park is for THE PEOPLE of Nelson and its visitors in this alarming time of ever decreasing natural space.
Jane Merks and Peter Bartl, 302 Vernon Street
http://tinyurl.com/ycu3rt4m
Jane:
Peter's writing a book on Modernist Nelson architecture and we have come to appreciate so many of the diverse dwellings in the city. The one we have been photographed in front is a favourite since it has an amazing view of the lake and the street below.
http://tinyurl.com/ycu3rt4m
Jane:
Peter's writing a book on Modernist Nelson architecture and we have come to appreciate so many of the diverse dwellings in the city. The one we have been photographed in front is a favourite since it has an amazing view of the lake and the street below.
Kyle Beres with Shadow, Lakeside Park
http://tinyurl.com/y9q7kh88
Kyle:
This is one of Shadow's favourite places to go for a walk, and it was also in this very location that my fiancé and I decided that Nelson was home.
http://tinyurl.com/y9q7kh88
Kyle:
This is one of Shadow's favourite places to go for a walk, and it was also in this very location that my fiancé and I decided that Nelson was home.
Syl Klein and Jordan Bonin, Lakeside Park
http://tinyurl.com/y7a5bpne
Syl:
We hoped to be portrayed at dock’s end in order to illustrate our two cultural paths coming together. I’m from France and Jordan is from Canada.
http://tinyurl.com/y7a5bpne
Syl:
We hoped to be portrayed at dock’s end in order to illustrate our two cultural paths coming together. I’m from France and Jordan is from Canada.
Wendy Maslechko and Dave Zarikoff, Capitol Theatre
http://tinyurl.com/ydhjdrdp
Wendy:
This location is special because our kids have gone on to perform on the Capitol Stage. We have fond memories of the theatre, and it’s a great space. I also wanted to be pictured here as Dave is such a hockey fan – if he had his way – we would have been pictured on centre ice at the rink.
http://tinyurl.com/ydhjdrdp
Wendy:
This location is special because our kids have gone on to perform on the Capitol Stage. We have fond memories of the theatre, and it’s a great space. I also wanted to be pictured here as Dave is such a hockey fan – if he had his way – we would have been pictured on centre ice at the rink.
Anthony Sanna and Stephanie Myers, Kootenay Co-op Radio
http://tinyurl.com/l3hduzp
Stephanie and Anthony:
Over the last 4 years, Kootenay Co-op Radio has woven its way into our lives. Being new to Nelson in 2013, Stephanie coaxed me to volunteer at the station. I walked through the door and ended up on air with Kootenay Morning, KCR's current affairs show. 2 Years later, Stephanie landed a job at the station. Today, we co-host a show together. For us, KCR is truly "Radio from the Heart."
http://tinyurl.com/l3hduzp
Stephanie and Anthony:
Over the last 4 years, Kootenay Co-op Radio has woven its way into our lives. Being new to Nelson in 2013, Stephanie coaxed me to volunteer at the station. I walked through the door and ended up on air with Kootenay Morning, KCR's current affairs show. 2 Years later, Stephanie landed a job at the station. Today, we co-host a show together. For us, KCR is truly "Radio from the Heart."
Margaret Hornby, Terrace Apartments, 302 Vernon Street
http://tinyurl.com/y8yqossc
Margaret:
Sometimes love goes beyond the page….
http://tinyurl.com/y8yqossc
Margaret:
Sometimes love goes beyond the page….
Brigitte Langevin and Phil Mader, Herridge Lane
http://tinyurl.com/yd586f4c
Phil:
This is a special location to us both as we like to go to Bibo restaurant.
http://tinyurl.com/yd586f4c
Phil:
This is a special location to us both as we like to go to Bibo restaurant.
River Meyer with her daughter Lia, Lions Park
http://tinyurl.com/y84jun29
River:
My daughter and I have a pretty special relationship, starting on the day I first met her in China. I try to kiss her as much as I can.
http://tinyurl.com/y84jun29
River:
My daughter and I have a pretty special relationship, starting on the day I first met her in China. I try to kiss her as much as I can.
Evan Forst and Soleil Babcock, Gyro Park
http://tinyurl.com/ycr74bdl
Soleil:
This location is very special to us because, when we were on our first date a couple years ago, we went for a long walk and cuddled up on this bench. It was kind of the first time I realized how much I really loved the guy :) Thank you so much for doing this project! It's a great way to spread some love and good vibes around our community.
http://tinyurl.com/ycr74bdl
Soleil:
This location is very special to us because, when we were on our first date a couple years ago, we went for a long walk and cuddled up on this bench. It was kind of the first time I realized how much I really loved the guy :) Thank you so much for doing this project! It's a great way to spread some love and good vibes around our community.
Deb Thompson with her daughter Kluane Thompson Peabody , Burrell Grocery Store
http://tinyurl.com/ycn44vsp
Deb:
My daughter and I have a lovely mother - daughter relationship. We wanted to share the joy of family and chose to have our photograph taken in front of Burrell store to celebrate the neighbourhood we have lived in for the past 18 years.
Working in Nelson, BC
Sylvia acknowledges as an artist who has worked in the City of Nelson, she has photographed on the shared and unceded traditional territories of the Sinixt, the Syilx, and the Ktuxana, and she pays respect to the Elders, past and present, and to future generations.
Interactive map resources such as Native Land (2015), Whose Land (2017) and Indigenous Peoples Atlas (2018) can help identify territories. As always maps are fluid and ever changing and can be used as educational tools to create dialogue around reconciliation.
http://tinyurl.com/ycn44vsp
Deb:
My daughter and I have a lovely mother - daughter relationship. We wanted to share the joy of family and chose to have our photograph taken in front of Burrell store to celebrate the neighbourhood we have lived in for the past 18 years.
Working in Nelson, BC
Sylvia acknowledges as an artist who has worked in the City of Nelson, she has photographed on the shared and unceded traditional territories of the Sinixt, the Syilx, and the Ktuxana, and she pays respect to the Elders, past and present, and to future generations.
Interactive map resources such as Native Land (2015), Whose Land (2017) and Indigenous Peoples Atlas (2018) can help identify territories. As always maps are fluid and ever changing and can be used as educational tools to create dialogue around reconciliation.
Project legacies and reviews:
2020
October
University Arts Association of Canada - Panel discussion of artist's Google Street View artwork developed in Nelson (2017) and Richmond, BC (2018)
Panelists included Megan Arney-Johnston (Independent Curator), Edward Bateman (University of Utah), Garnet Dirksen (Independent Photo-artist) and Arin Fay (Curator, Touchstones Museum of History and Art)
2017
Collins, Leah. "On Google Street View, this small town in B.C. is a work of art: Peace, Love and Google Maps: these 360-degree portraits of a community aim to be an example for the world" CBC National Arts Review, June 23, 2017
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/on-google-street-view-this-small-town-in-b-c-is-a-work-of-art-1.4175526
“All you need is Love (and Kisses)" in News Roundup, Galleries West, July 2017 (digital edition)
"The Kissing Project is on Google Street View," Nelson Daily, http://thenelsondaily.com/megaphone-blast/kissing-project-google-street-view
Page, Josh. “Artist interview with Sylvia Grace Borda about the commencement of the Kissing Project” Radio West, CBC One 88.9FM, BC Interior. 4:50pm April 3, 2017
Sanna, Anthony and Stephanie Myers. “Artist interview with Sylvia Grace Borda” Kootenay Morning, Kootenay Co-op Radio, April 7, 2017
http://www.kootenaycoopradio.com/index.php?/radio-show/show/kootenay_morning/#episodes
“Oxygen’s artist in residence invites participation in the Kissing Project” Valley Voice, New Denver, BC, Feb 9, 2017 vol 26. No.3 p16.
2020
October
University Arts Association of Canada - Panel discussion of artist's Google Street View artwork developed in Nelson (2017) and Richmond, BC (2018)
Panelists included Megan Arney-Johnston (Independent Curator), Edward Bateman (University of Utah), Garnet Dirksen (Independent Photo-artist) and Arin Fay (Curator, Touchstones Museum of History and Art)
2017
Collins, Leah. "On Google Street View, this small town in B.C. is a work of art: Peace, Love and Google Maps: these 360-degree portraits of a community aim to be an example for the world" CBC National Arts Review, June 23, 2017
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/on-google-street-view-this-small-town-in-b-c-is-a-work-of-art-1.4175526
“All you need is Love (and Kisses)" in News Roundup, Galleries West, July 2017 (digital edition)
"The Kissing Project is on Google Street View," Nelson Daily, http://thenelsondaily.com/megaphone-blast/kissing-project-google-street-view
Page, Josh. “Artist interview with Sylvia Grace Borda about the commencement of the Kissing Project” Radio West, CBC One 88.9FM, BC Interior. 4:50pm April 3, 2017
Sanna, Anthony and Stephanie Myers. “Artist interview with Sylvia Grace Borda” Kootenay Morning, Kootenay Co-op Radio, April 7, 2017
http://www.kootenaycoopradio.com/index.php?/radio-show/show/kootenay_morning/#episodes
“Oxygen’s artist in residence invites participation in the Kissing Project” Valley Voice, New Denver, BC, Feb 9, 2017 vol 26. No.3 p16.
N.B.
Sylvia's use of Google Street View technology started in 2013 when she started to collaborate with John M Lynch, a Google Trusted Photographer. She worked with John to complete Farm Tableaux (2013) and Mise en Scene (2014). Since the production of these artworks Sylvia is being recognized as a pioneer in the medium, and the first to create artistic content within the Google map engine. The entire collection from the Kissing Project can also be found online at
http://tinyurl.com/y983nekz
Sylvia's use of Google Street View technology started in 2013 when she started to collaborate with John M Lynch, a Google Trusted Photographer. She worked with John to complete Farm Tableaux (2013) and Mise en Scene (2014). Since the production of these artworks Sylvia is being recognized as a pioneer in the medium, and the first to create artistic content within the Google map engine. The entire collection from the Kissing Project can also be found online at
http://tinyurl.com/y983nekz