02 April 2017
Special Book Launch and Documentary Movie “Documenting Food Is Culture II”
As part of 12th edition of Spring of Culture Festival, Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA), held a sweet interactive round +table gathering to shed light on “Documenting Food Is Culture II” event at 7:00 pm at Bahrain National Museum. The 2nd edition of “Food is Culture” is a creative experimental project that aims to bridge together the mediums of art and food and the unique collaboration which took place between 11 artists during two months, in the presence of many artists, chefs, and culture lovers in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
From the culinary and visual arts fields in January 2017, the chefs and artists expressed their satisfaction and appreciation to BACA for this amazing experience ,which has culminated with the launch of a publication documenting the process. The book documents the unique experience gathering fine art icons and chefs who exchanged experiences and perspectives with regard to food menus and art paintings showcased to the public. It is an exotic and new experiment reveals unexpected results as 5 fine artists pair up with 6 chefs to create a fusion between two seemingly different worlds done for the first time in Bahrain that explored the idea of how can one philosophy manifest itself into different components or mediums.
Worth to mention that “ Food is Culture II” event succeeded to gather talented artists and creative chefs daily. The start was with Chef Bassam Al-Alawi ( Darseen Café) with artist, Lulwa Al-Khalifa, who presented a creative teamed masterpiece. Then Chef Layla Sharif (Sugar & Lace) and Italian artist, Giuse Maggi , Chef Tala Bashmi ( Gulf Hotel) and Mai Al-Moataz. Chef Nader Qannati (NQ Cookery) harmonized with artist Nader Al-Abbassi, and Chef Brian Becher/ Chef Pierre Chambon (Bahrain Four Seasons) met finally meet ith artist Sumaya Abdulghani to showcase their masterpieces on 26 January 2017. Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, in cooperation with Bahrain Cinema Club, presented an array of joyful events to the public during Food is Culture festival, as several films were screened. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the Indian movie nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film “ LunchBox”, and the Italian movie Mid-August Lunch offered a warmly vibrant family atmosphere during the event.
Coinciding with these events, a series of lectures were organized at Cultural Hall during February 2017 as part of Food is Culture II events. The first lecture was on “ Seeing Everyday Fabric through Art and Semiotic “by Dr. Hana Malallah, Bahrain Royal University, the College of Art & Design, the second one by Banan al-Yaaqoobi, Quby Group on the “ Evolution and Future of Branding in the Food Industry” on 12 February 2017. Dr. Pierre Lambard, BACA’s Archaeology Consultant and French Archaeological Expedition President in Bahrain also gave a lecture on “ Food & Drink in Ancient Bahrain” on 19 February at 7:00 pm.
Food is Culture” is a two month collaboration between artists, chefs, philosophers, ‘foodies’ and experts in various fields discussing, creating and showcasing the link between Food, Art, and Culture.
In addition, a documentary film will also be featured, translating to the audience. The experiences of the artists and chefs as they explore the phases of their creative collaboration and the development of their final concept. The chefs and artists will be present in a panel discussion to share their collective experiences and impressions with the audience.
