What does being the most alive mean to you?
A breakdown of our fifth curated experience with Barcelona based chef, Sofia Gnabasik, talking about Ageing through a food installation
Our curated experiences revolve around the idea of artistically translating a theme in the creative direction of the evening, the dining experience, and the menu for the dinner. The goal of these experiences is always to shed some light on relevant topics in a creative manner by providing a well-rounded and holistic experience as a creative studio and by bringing people together.
Always wanting to push the boundaries of art direction by amalgamating multiple different fields of art in one gathering, our fifth curated experience was with the Barcelona-based chef, Sofia Gnabasik, at Anahita Contemporary Stilwerk KantGaragen.
Theme : Our theme, "ANTI Anti-Ageing" focuses on celebrating every phase of life and rejecting the outdated idea that ageing is solely negative. The food installation challenged conventional notions of ageing, rejecting the negative linear view of aging, emphasizing that vibrancy isn't limited by a number. Aiming to honor the complexity of each life layer, highlighting life's beauty and diversity, we aim to showcase that vitality and liveliness are not tied to age alone.
Vitality encompasses engagement, gratitude, and aliveness, blending pleasure, purpose, and meaning. By shifting from "anti-ageing" to emphasizing vitality and wisdom, we inspire the next generations. Prioritizing vitality at any age demonstrates that growth continues, and pleasure, purpose, and meaning remain possible. Ageing isn't a mistake; it's an invitation to embrace life more fully.
Decor : The decor embodies our theme, "ANTI Anti-Ageing," by visually narrating life's journey through distinct elements. Layering of the same family of materials in different variations showcases the myriad phases we navigate, emphasizing each unique chapter. The layering also emphasizes the versitality that each unique chapter brings and challenges the negative societal narrative that promotes hierarchical age-based perspectives.
Colour gradation signifies the versatility within a lifetime, where every hue tells a story. Echoing the colours of vitality, shades of orange, the decor radiates energy and vibrancy. Orange is a bright, vivacious color often linked to confidence, enthusiasm, warmth, and agreeableness, inspiring outgoing and bold feelings.
The aim of the decor was to break free from rigid patterns, and it expected the interaction with the installation to be fluid by navigating between the different forms.
Food : By understanding aging as a nonlinear process, the menu aims to reflect the diverse range of experiences that contribute to forming our identities throughout our lives. Playing with consistency and versatility, the many bites included in the spread highlight the variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables by maintaining similar ingredients throughout the various dishes while changing flavor profiles and presentations. Together, these elements harmoniously convey our message of celebrating every moment, embracing vitality, and rejecting the notion that age defines us.
The menu included a range of dips accompanied by fresh bread, including a sweet potato curry hummus and a pea and mint pâte. This was supplemented by a carrot, coconut, and ginger soup as well as a cucumber gazpacho, and a lemon, ginger, and thyme mousse. The menu was completed with a carrot ribbon salad, melon ball skewers, and potato, feta, and olive hand-pies.
Guests enjoyed the event through interactions, discussions, exploring the installation, tasting different wines from Nature's Calling, and dancing to the music of Cinnamon Spice. They were also prompted to contemplate what it means to "feel most alive," adding depth to their experience.
Concept, art direction, execution : Two Odd, Akshita Garud
Chef : Sofia Gnabasik
Photographs by : Tamara Uribe