Today, we are bringing the history of food in art to you through various sources. Choose your own food adventure! 

START HERE: Get a brief overview of the enduring history of food depicted in art here. 

Then, choose your path (or, check out both!) 

FOOD AS MEDIUM 

The Cuban-born American visual artist Félix González-Torres often used candy in his various installations, inviting the viewer to take a piece of candy and contribute to the evolving nature of the piece. Perhaps the best–known version of this is “Untitled” (Portrait of Ross in L.A.), a pile of hard candy weighing in at the ideal, healthy body weight for González-Torres’ deceased partner, Ross Laycock, of whom this piece memorializes. As viewers take a piece of candy, they are effectively mimicking the loss of body weight Laycock experienced as he battled with HIV, making the interaction a double-edged sword of meaning. You can find the piece here. 

Right now, another piece by González-Torres is being exhibited—but not just in one gallery. Check out this wide-reaching fortune cookie installation here. 

STILL-LIFE/SELF-PORTRAIT 

There are countless still-life painters, including many who continue the practice in the contemporary day. Although likely best known for her self-portraits, Frida Kahlo also created some still-lifes celebrating her Mexican heritage. One such painting is titled Pitahayas. Find out how it might actual be a self-portrait as well here.

Finally, check out some interesting videos that discuss various artists and movements through food here. One of our favorites, and one that ties into Pitahayas, can be found here.

We hope you enjoyed learning about the interesting ways in which food shows up in art. We hope you have a wonderful day and we will see you next week for the next care package.