Hello! This is Bella the Intern (again) writing about CAL’s food-inspired show, Devour. While this show reminds me of last year’s food-themed exhibit, Nibble, there are definitely differences. The pieces in last year’s show conjured ideas of small bites, snacks, little treats. This year, however, many of the pieces inspire thoughts of entire meals, delicious food that we would try to eat in one bite—if only we could!
Two pieces really caught my eye throughout the show. The first was Pho with Grace by Emma Komoroski. Disclaimer: I am incredibly biased because I absolutely adore pho. But something about the graphic linework and highlights in Komoroski’s piece, along with the bright pink border, really makes this depiction spectacular.
Pho with Grace by Emma Komoroski
The pho itself isn’t exactly lifelike, but that is entirely intentional: the brushstrokes mix together to mimic the different textures and ingredients that make each bowl of pho different from the next. The artist also included little graphic stars surrounding the head of her friend and her bowl of pho. This adds to the cartoon-like leanings of the painting, making the viewer feel as though they are having a casual lunch with a friend over comforting bowls of noodles.
Another piece that I enjoy is Bone Apple Teeth by Brandy Tieman. I think there is an implication in the word Devour that invokes fear, like the Sarlacc Pit Monster eating up our favorite Star Wars characters. Tieman’s piece here invokes that more disturbing interpretation of the word, which I think is delightfully unique.
Bone Apple Teeth by Brandy Tieman
The apple comes to life, wrinkly and rotting, with its own teeth and eyes. A hand holds the apple, as though the Evil Queen from Snow White herself were handing it over to the viewer, promising a curse (or worse!) Where Komoroski’s depiction of pho makes the viewer want to jump into the painting and enjoy the meal, Tieman’s piece makes the viewer wonder whether the apple is the devoured or the devourer.
Overall, the show itself is full of exciting pieces that show different interpretations of how food can delight us, bring us together, and sometimes scare us. More than anything, walking through the gallery makes me excited for Let Them Eat Art because some pieces make me want to go home and cook a huge dinner for myself. As my first show since returning to CAL as an intern, it definitely does not disappoint!
Some of my other favorites from the show:
