Designed for NYU Gallatin Art Festival 2021
All photos courtesy of Emma Comrie and Olia (Qiaoqian) Zhang.
Digital Viewing Guide: https://spark.adobe.com/page/KeYL3xHaIDIAS/
Project Description
It is a multi-media project which focuses on not only the end creation of the project and art work but also the documentation of the creative process and its impact to the artist (myself and any collaborator). The art work are composed of various preserved food items coming from artist's favorite NYC local spots then applying chemical method to preserve them to "last forever" and essentially preserving its equilibrium. The food objectives are sourced from local New York restaurants, mostly pastry and baked goods. There will also be a documentary recording the preserving method and slow motion on when the objected are being coated. Dimensions of the actual objects will vary from 5 inches to 20 inches. The most optimal way to view would be via gallery installation to be seen virtually or from the sidewalk with video documentary. However, the presentation form could be flexible.
Photography TAKEN in 2020
Intent and Description
As an artist and scientist, I love the beauty of equilibrium - it represents balance and long lasting. My current class - urban art workshop encourages us to take walks or sit by the window to observe the city as a piece of art. That prompts me to rediscover many unique aspects of New York City, from architecture, people, art to food. As part of rediscovery of the city spots, I spoke to many small businesses on their stories behind the scenes of food creation. The theme is "what is forever? can we preserve moment that last for a long time?" Preserving the equilibrium of food items from my favorite local NYC eateries is a challenge but also can bring critical impact reflecting the value of local small business and bring awareness on how the active environment and pandemic have impacted them. In addition, this is an experiment on chemical reaction to various compound and food molecules. The art making process includes sourcing of the food items and history behind each piece of the food, preserving the food by using epoxy, resin and spray, documentation of the art making process in slow motion and time lapse, and the final output of the food items in sculpture like format.
Installation and Curation
Gallery Installation: Immersive Experience of the Bakery/Food-Making Process
For this portion of her work, Jennifer would like to include:
resin food sculptures (minimum amount is 3 sculptures)
still photographs of the bakery shops (about 3, 10 x 20-inch prints*)
an audio recording of bakery sounds and noises* (Jennifer can update you if this recording will take the form of a physical mp3 player, an online audio file, etc.)
projected images of the food/art-making process on a time loop (for this, Jennifer would like to borrow a projector, these images will not need audio)
Film Night: Short Q&A Film
Jennifer's short film "The Bread Exchange" was featured on Gallatin Art Festival Film Night.
Short Film: The Bread Exchange
