Feasting through art

In the name of Thanksgiving - here are cool 'food' artists to watch!

Nov 19, 2024

Seeing the final result of the exhibition I have currently curated made me think of the presence of food in paintings. It has been a recurring theme throughout art history and is still among contemporary and emerging artists.

Feasting is a powerful symbol of community and bonding with people.

Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Warhol, and Cezanne (and the list goes on) all painted food at some point or another. There is something communal about opulent dining tables, impeccably arranged still lifes, or mass-consumed canned goods.

Johanna Seidel and Monika Marchewka ( Monika, for the first time, created this body of work) play with the subject and feating.

Delicatessen I and II by Monika Marchewka

Johanna Seidel’s solo show with me - Artistellar Gallery in September 2022.

Erntedank ( Thanksgiving) by Johanna Seidel

And it is true; look at our major celebrations like Thanksgiving or Christmas; all festivities revolve around food. When it’s someone’s birthday or wedding or any other subject for celebration - food and drinks are being served.

Last weekend, I had some clients at the gallery, and because it was lunchtime, we got hungry, so I ordered pizza from the nearby pizzeria Cinquecento. We had a little pizza moment at the gallery, talking and bonding over art, which talks about bonding over food. It just makes sense. I’ve previously had an idea to curate a big group show about food, but before I actually make it a reality, here is a list of cool emerging ‘food’ artists to watch.

Billy Gibney - I am obsessed with his work but that’s a story for another time. These are some of his earlier works, which is a bit different to what he is making now.

Therese Mulgrew - yes, very similar to the above ( especially the left one). I think it’s just a coincidence. Gibney’s current budy of work is actually quite different.