The Art of Food

This a photo of an installation of found objects and spices that are used for a salmon cure recipe. When ever I prepared this mix I was always amazed by the colors and then next started to wonder how I could show them in terms of art. Hence I came up with this set of objects that reflect the community that I cook for and and the type of food I like. The salmon is a troubled fish, like the community I cook for, and so it started ………The salt and sugar are in a yogurt container. The container represents the good bacteria that has be replenished in the aids patients that I cook for. The pepper corns are in a coffee cup, coffee brings the people together at the center. The mustard seeds are in a film container which represents the media. The media always film the corner for any story involving the east side, even the positive ones, hence reinforcing stereotypes. The paprika and coriander seeds are in pill containers which I relate to the mental heath issues in the neighbourhood (mine also). The liquid smoke is in a rig which the artificial flavour in the recipe and hence the forced high. The spoon has cinnamon which is for the comfort we try to provide, while struggling with the junkies who keep stealing the spoons. The bay leaves are in a condom wrapper and the chili flakes are in makeup container, which I relate to the health ministry, the johns and the sex trade workers. The spices are all mixed together to make a salmon cure. The suitcase is old and torn, which is like a lot of people see in the east side, but I see more hence the Polaroid of the queens jewels on it.