Private Investigators: Undercover in Public Space

by Kathryn Walter (Editor), Kyo Maclear, Walter Phillips Gallery

July, 1997. Eight artists infiltrate the public spaces of one of Canada's most famous tourist destinations—Banff, Alberta. Each performer has a disguise and two goals: first, to address the contradictions at work in the national park's townsite—mountain town versus tourist Mecca—and second, to examine the roles people play in conforming to society's expectations. Performances that include a lesbian park rangers recruitment drive, a sound parade down Banff's main avenue and a soap giveaway by two soothsayers. This book documents the often surprising results when artists move their work to public space. No expectations, including those of the artists themselves, are left challenged.

Catalogue of an exhibition held at the Walter Phillips Gallery. Contents:

• Millie Chen and Evelyn Von Michalofski
• Judy Radul
• Shawna Dempsey and Lorri Millan
• Shelley Niro and Faye HeavyShield
• Kathy Kennedy

84 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999