Representations of Consumption: Desolation, Discomfort, and Empowerment in Late 20th Century Visual Art of Food and Dining

In this essay, I explore the relationship between art and food by interpreting visual art from late 20th century depicting food and dining spaces. This project features photographs, sculptures, and installations from five artists: Laurie Simmons, Denise A. Aubertin, Scott Hyde, Laura Letinsky, and Judy Chicago. I discuss how these works, though varied in their representations of food and dining, draw on common themes of desolation, disconcertion, and empowerment. The artworks discussed reflect the complexity of emotions that are evoked by art of food. This research demonstrates the value of art as an interpretive lens for understanding our relationships with food and dining spaces.