The Art of Food at the Asheville Art Museum

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

The Art of Food at the Asheville Art Museum sounds like a super fun exploration of the role food plays in art historical tradition and to some degree, that’s exactly what it is. However, upon closer inspection, this exhibition is filled to the brim with satire, dark humor and social commentary that hits like a gut punch and stays with you long after you’ve left the museum. With an emphasis on modern and contemporary art, The Art of Food challenges all visitors to think long and hard about who gets to eat and why and what exactly do we put into our bodies.

The exhibition is thoughtfully curated with didactics and museum labels that help tell the story of food images in modern and contemporary art. Plus, there are numerous “big name” artists throughout the show and a few surprises. Obviously, you can’t talk about the commercialization of food production without showcasing the work of Andy Warhol. But it was the pieces by Lorna Simpson and Jenny Holzer that brought the subject matter to the present day with their commentary on food insecurity and its connections to racial injustice in the United States.

“Cow 1966,” Andy Warhol, 1966

From the Survival Series, Jenny Holzer, 1983-1984

“C-Ration,” Lorna Simpson, 1991

Of course, I’m always drawn to satire and dark humor and any time art is self-referential or art historically-referential I am always onboard. Enrique Chagoya’s reinterpretation of Andy Warhol’s famous soup cans is darkly delightful and a brilliant commentary on the art world in the 21st century. Chris Antemann’s work in porcelain hilariously merges a centuries-old technique with contemporary subject matter resulting in an over-the-top and utterly indulgent piece that perfectly encapsulates today’s influencer culture.

“The Enlightened Savage,” Enrique Chagoya, 2002
“The Enlightened Savage” with Andy Warhol’s hamburger screenprint in the background.

“Covet,” Chris Antemann, 2013

Asheville, NC is known for being a foodie destination which helps make this exhibition even more pertinent. If you’re visiting Asheville in the coming weeks, this is an exhibition not to be missed. Might as well enjoy some “food for thought” while on the prowl for the next Instagram-worthy meal.

The Art of Food is on view now through October 22, 2023. For more on this exhibition and the Asheville Art Museum, please visit this link…

The Art of Food

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I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.