Aisle 4 is a curatorial collective based in Tkaronto/Toronto working in social practice and public art. Learn more about us; view our complete list of collaborators; and explore our current & past projects, including exhibitions, public programming, research, and advocacy. Aisle 4 is a curatorial collective based in Tkaronto/Toronto working in social practice and public art. Learn more about us; view our complete list of collaborators; and explore our current & past projects, including exhibitions, public programming, research, and advocacy. With You at All Times
November 24, 2018
Rotblott’s Discount Warehouse
Toronto
With You at All Times was both a keychain and artist multiple by Shellie Zhang, curated by Aisle 4, and commissioned by the artist-jewellery collective RAY-RAY. Inspired by keychains that doubled as self-defence tools for women, ranging from sharp weapons to sprayable mace to whistles, Zhang noted the objects were rarely used but still provided their holders a sense of security. Looking to a more subtle model of protection as a departure point, With You At All Times aimed to provide comfort in the face of the insidious forms of violence that occur in day-to-day life. The keychain served as an emblem for safety, a gesture of care, and a reminder of our communities who protect us during moments of instability.
The first edition was available for sale at a public reception at Rotblott’s Discount Warehouse in Toronto. Attendees who bought a keychain were also given a coupon to have a key cut on location that evening, prompting gestures of sharing between friends and loved ones. Proceeds from the launch were donated to Sistering, a multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women and trans people in Toronto who are homeless or precariously housed.
Two editions in gold (50) and rose gold (50) were produced. Both are sold out.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Rotblott’s Discount Warehouse for hosting our first edition launch.
We acknowledge Indigenous sovereignty and are grateful to live and work on the territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat Peoples.
aisle4aisle4@gmail.com @_aisle4
Website by Natasha Whyte-Gray, 2024.