A taste of food art opens people’s minds beyond the canvas

While the infamous multi-million dollar banana has been consumed, other food art has hit the auction block. As the art world descends on Miami for Art Basel, could food art spark a conversation beyond the gallery space?

Few people have the means to spend millions on an art installation, but the concept fascinates many people. Mischief by Chester is the latest taped masterpiece. The Cheetos art earned a high bid on Ebay. While the single puff might not curb an insatiable hunger, the winning big did get paid back in Cheetos (in addition to the artistic piece).

Although the Cheetos art had an additional food equivalent, other artistic items might be more about the statement than the eating satisfaction. With Miami’s Art Basel about to open, could these temporary installations bring a whole new flavor to the intersection of food and art?

The phrase is cliché, but art is often in the eye of the beholder. While the classic still life might have a discernable meaning, other artistic styles may need a stronger explanation. Minimalism, modernism, and even pop art have the discerning eye seeing beyond the first impression.

Although the recent banana taped to a wall received much attention, it is not the first time that food adhered to a space has taken over the conversation. In 2019, Popeyes offered “The Sandwich” which was a real Popeyes Chicken Sandwich duct-taped to a canvas. While the art benefited the Popeyes Foundation, other food installations were the talk of that year’s Art Basel event.

As seen in last year’s Art Basel events, food and art are often intertwined. It is more than a nod to Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup cans or Homer Simpson’s love of doughnuts. Colors, textures, and themes show the connection of pop culture, food, and art. Even the pristine white canvas can have people dreaming about pillowy tufts of icing on a sweet cake or the perfect puree under a juicy steak. Again, it is about getting the imagination to appreciate how all the senses interact with each other.

During the annual Miami event, food and beverage brands often celebrate with special events. For example, Monkey Shoulder has events at Red Dot Miami and Factory Town. As the sole sponsor for Red Dot Miami, the contemporary cocktails will impress all the guests.

Additionally, several popular restaurant groups will be opening new locations in and around Art Basel week. For example, Carbone Vino will be opening in Coconut Grove. Riveria Dining Group will open Claudie. Many Miami hotspots will be open to welcome all the art enthusiasts.

While the world might still be snickering over the consumption of the world’s most expensive banana, the connection between food and art is and always will be priceless. When people can see beyond the obvious, the mind is open to limitless possibilities.