From Remedios Varo to Home Remedies: A Culinary Art Journey
The exhibition “Knowing the World with the Mouth, Without Getting Pricked by Thorns” spans nearly a century of artistic creations centered around food and its various perspectives, from the transmission of knowledge to territorial struggles. This collection of 42 works by 37 artists, including 12 from the FEMSA Collection, is currently on display at the University City of Chapultepec until September 14th. The artworks explore food’s role in cultural identity, rituals, and the transfer of oral knowledge while also advocating for body and land protection.
Key Artists and Their Works
- Remedios Varo: Her drawing “Papilla Estelar” (1958) depicts a woman feeding a glowing moon with star dust through her chimney.
- Ana Gallardo: “Material Descartable” (2000) is a large installation of perejil (parsley) that engages visitors through smell and prompts reflection on the plant’s various uses, from cardiovascular regulation to historical abortion induction.
- Chantal Peñalosa Fong: The video installation “Fong” (2023) narrates the history of Chinese families’ separation in San Francisco, including the curator’s own family, due to violence and labor exploitation of Mexican-Chinese migrants in the early 20th century.
- Mayra Silva: Her decorated cookies, titled “Poema No. 3. Sylvia Plath Cookies,” challenge gender roles based on the spaces we occupy and tasks we perform, especially in the kitchen.
Engaging Visitors Through Sensory Experiences
Curators Alberto Díaz and Dea López explain that the exhibition was initially presented in Guanajuato’s Casa Diego Rivera Museum from October 2023 to February 2024 during the International Cervantes Festival. This new version in Chapultepec incorporates elements that respond to the local context.
- Oral Tradition and Local Ecosystems: The curators chose artworks that focus on bodily knowledge transmitted orally, addressing the diverse ecosystems in Chapultepec and acknowledging that not everyone eats or grows the same food.
- Interactive Elements: Visitors will receive decorated cookies by Mayra Silva throughout the exhibition, encouraging them to taste and reflect on the artwork.
- Public Program: A gastronomic experience program will complement the exhibition, focusing on food, sharing meals, and conversation.
Exhibition Details
“Knowing the World with the Mouth, Without Getting Pricked by Thorns”
Casa del Lago, UNAM
On display until September 14th
Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Bosque de Chapultepec, Primera Sección
For more information on the exhibition: https://casadellago.unam.mx/nuevo/programacion/programacion-completa?artes_visuales=artes%20visuales
