The Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill presents its spring exhibition, “The Art of Food,” from April 21 through June 30.
“The Art of Food” explores the profound role of food in shaping cultures and communities. More than one hundred drawings, paintings, photographs, sculptures, and ceramics by 37 Jordan D. Schnitzer Foundation artists will be exhibited at the Parrish. Among these are prominent postwar figures such as David Hockney, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscha, and Andy Warhol; contemporary artists include Enrique Chagoya, Jenny Holzer, Alison Saar, Lorna Simpson, and Rachel Whiteread; and artists with deep roots in the East End of Long Island, including Robert Gober, Roy Lichtenstein, and Donald Sultan.
“The title of the exhibition aptly encapsulates how food continues to inspire and fascinate artists,” said Corinne Erni, Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Chief Curator of the Parrish Art Museum. “This exhibition brings together a remarkable array of works that delve into the multifaceted nature of food as a cultural symbol and a medium of artistic expression. The works offer a lot of joy and provoke a lot of questions about food in our society.”
The artworks come to the museum from the private collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, a businessman and philanthropist who lends his works to worldwide institutions. Schnitzer, who began collecting in 1988, now holds over 20,000 works.
“Since time began, every artist of every generation has used food objects in their art. Food is the most universal part of our lives. Think food and shelter. In today’s world, food impacts every aspect of our lives. Our social interactions, what we put in our bodies, those who face malnutrition every day, the effect of climate change on food production—all critical issues of our time,” Jordan Schnitzer said. “The artists in this exhibition bring us joy and humor, but also thoughtful challenges about our health based on what we eat! I hope everyone who visits this exhibition comes away with new thoughts about the importance of food in our lives through the voices of these amazing artists!”
The exhibition relates to the East End’s distinguished history as one of the most important fishing and agricultural regions in New York State.
“We are grateful to Jordan D. Schnitzer and his family foundation for bringing ‘The Art of Food’ to the East End. The exhibition enables the Parrish to help showcase the region’s rich agricultural heritage and provides a wonderful connection to our communities and remarkable natural surroundings,” said Mónica Ramírez-Montagut, Executive Director of Parrish Art Museum. “We are thrilled to host upcoming events where visitors can further engage with the intersection of food, art, and community.”
In conjunction with the exhibition and to celebrate the region’s agricultural history, special food events will be organized in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and local organizations. These events will span educational programming, workshops, and conversations. The initiatives are designed to spark dialogue and creativity around the exhibition’s themes.