Edible art themes on show

A UNIQUE collaborative exhibition focussed on food, friendship and cultural identity featuring ceramic and textile works by two Melbourne artists is set to open at the Bendigo Art Gallery next month.

Titled Have You Eaten?, the exhibition is set for launch on 10 September at a special event will include a talk by both creatives – ceramicist Vipoo Srivilasa and mixed media artist Sai-Wai Foo – as well as accompanying food from renowned chef Nartchanok Jansri.

Foo said both artists will bring their own stories and “sense of fun” to the show.

“We work really well together as we tend to egg each other on and push each other,” she said.

“We are also maximalists, of the school of more is more, and if there is the option to add gold or shine, we will.

“Food is such a huge part of the migrant experience. As a migrant you are so far from your cultural home. It ties into identity, family, home, and comfort. It’s also about celebration, and caregiving.

“That’s how the title of this body of work came about. In Asian culture we don’t ask how you are, we ask you have you eaten? Then we proceed to feed you.”

With several new textile pieces created for the show, on of which is a pair of long textile banners, Foo said they reflect “the balance that is sought in Asian cooking techniques and the importance of fire and water as flame and steam.”

“But my favourite is a collection of ingredients that I’ve absolutely laboured over,” she said.

“They are made of silk and hand embroidered. I hope they fool the senses and trick the viewer’s eye.”

The Have You Eaten? Exhibition opening and artist talk takes place from 3pm to 5.30pm on Saturday 10 September at the Bendigo Art Gallery. Tickets are available via bit.ly/3PJzIPf.