Visually delicious periodical, The Gourmand, launches its debut exhibition of fine photography, art and illustration at 18 Hewett Street recently, and we dropped in for a little look. The contemporary food, art and culture journal, born (naturally) at a dinner party, was set up by editors David Lane and Marina Tweed to explore all things gastronomy – in a new light. Not exclusive to the pleasures of eating, the publication looks at the ‘who, where and why’ of a culture that has become somewhat of an obsession for many.
A visual delight with an intellectual stance catering for visual food perves, the magazine’s commissioned artists’ explorations of food is reflected in their debut exhibition at 18 Hewett Street Gallery. Almost stepping into the magazine itself, the collection is small yet exciting. I particularly liked multi-disciplinary artist Jamie Brown and photographer Luke Kirwan’s collaboration; creating geometric food plates of graphic and vibrant quality. Paulo Di Luciente’s ‘diner’ photographs were stunning in terms of light capture and composition, however they deserved a bigger canvas.
Paul Davis’ hideously brilliant illustrations of people dining/eating, or just drinking coffee made me laugh on the many turns of the gallery: “I’m leaving this place is full of weirdos”, and something about ‘stabbing someone in the eye with a fork’ were fantastic observations of a foodie mentality. I liked how you needed to get up close and personal with the art to read the statements and take in details – making for a really captivating viewing. The attention grabber of the entire installation had to be ‘around Jean’s (Julien) dining table’ where The Gourmand will be hosting a series of supper clubs in the gallery space. The happy chap depicted on the table and benches sums up everything about food and eating – It makes people happy!
The imaginative prints will be available through The Gourmand shop in tiny editions of only 10, printed to size and signed or unsigned. They will go quicker than a platter of tempura prawns at a party, so go see before the exhibition ends 3rd March.
Exhibition images © We Heart,
all else, courtesy The Gourmand
