Rob's Tiki Lounge

2009. This is documentation of an installation in the Marion Nickel Gallery, at the Alberta College of Art + Design for two weeks in December 2008. All the components of the installation the bar, fake rock, the stage and tables were fabricated prior before the installation. Everything was designed to allow easy installation and to fit through the door.

No part of the gallery remained visible. There were two video projections: One at the front of the gallery, and one projected on a rear projection screen in the main mall outside the gallery. The videos were taken from Hawaii, one of a beach scene, the other of a jungle. The entire gallery was covered by bamboo and reeds wall coverings. The installation took three days to completely transform the gallery. There were six nights of bar service. This service included fancy drinks with umbrellas and fruit. There were performances by Matt Masters, Kabuki Guns Burlesque Troupe, Avent Garbe wearable art class, Thunder=Lava, Camp Camp Collective, The Bownesians, and many open mike and karaoke participants.

“Take off your coat and stay awhile, this gallery has a seat waiting for you. Rob Turriff has transformed the Marion Nicoll Gallery into a fully operational retro watering hole reminiscent of your uncle’s rattan basement bar. Rob’s Tiki Lounge is a tribute to the 20th-century postwar tiki culture in all of its gimmicky splendour.”

- Caitlin Thompson