601 Tully, a center for artistic co-production of culture on the Near West Side of Syracuse, presents a new exhibition open through Dec. 6. “Nourish” explores the many ways that people make choices about their food, sustenance and nutrition, what these choices say about the individual and how these choices reflect their society. The gallery is open from 2-5 p.m. from Wednesday–Saturday, or by appointment.
Tattfoo Tan’s project “Nature Matching System” was created “in an effort to spread awareness and promote the health benefits of eating colorful fruits and vegetables,” explained Nourish curator Jillian Nakornthap.
“With an overabundance of food, we are a culture obsessed with our next meal. However, the harsh reality is that much of the food produced goes to waste while others still go hungry at night. It is the underbelly to a society that has an insatiable desire to try the next culinary invention or restaurant,” explained curator Jillian Nakornthap.
The participating artists in the exhibit are Tattfoo Tan, Viviane le Courtois, Cynthia Herrera, Marisa Jahn, Steve Shada and various artists from the Hudson Valley Seed Library. Nakornthap says, “I believe that each of the artists is critiquing some aspect of society through the use of food.”
The exhibiting artists of Nourish are participating in the classes and workshops that are held at 601 Tully. On Oct. 2, Tan led Professor Marion Wilson’s Syracuse University class “Art, Food, and Commodity” on an excursion to the produce section of the Near West Side’s Nojaim Brothers Supermarket. The group brought along canvas tiles, brushes and paints in bright colors. They encouraged shoppers to paint the tiles and then locate and eat fruits and vegetables matching the painted tiles. The tiles were left exactly as the community members designed and will be added to Tan’s “Nature Matching System” project.
When “Nourish” closes, the tiles will be featured in a grant-funded permanent installation at Seymour Elementary School in the Syracuse City School District. Wilson’s class will also introduce a curriculum to a small group of Seymour students focused on Tan’s “Nature Matching System” project and healthy eating habits. The students will be given the opportunity to paint additional panels needed for the installation. The finished mural, featuring tiles from the Nojaim shoppers and Seymour students, will be displayed in Seymour’s cafeteria, likely at the beginning of 2014.
As part of “Nourish,” 601 Tully will feature two other events in November. On Nov. 7, Orange Wrap will present “Eating Personalities: Explore the Factors that Affect Your Eating Habits” at noon. On Nov. 13, there will be a film screening of “Food Fight” at 7 p.m. This event is part of Food for Change: A Food Justice Film Series that is co-sponsored by SU’s School of Education.
