What theme could possibly link such a stylistically and conceptually diverse roster of artists as David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Robert Rauschenberg, Robert Gober, Joseph Beuys, John Baldessari, and Richard Estes?
Those and 30 other modern and contemporary artists have taken food as their subject, and will be represented by more than 100 drawings, paintings, photographs, sculptures, and ceramics at the Parrish Art Museum in “The Art of Food,” which will open on Sunday.
“The title of the exhibition aptly encapsulates how food continues to inspire and fascinate artists,” said Corinne Erni, the museum’s chief curator. “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 artworks are on loan from the private collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, an Oregon philanthropist who lends work to institutions worldwide. Mr. Schnitzer, who began to collect in 1988, now has more than 20,000 works in his collection.
“In today’s world, food impacts every aspect of our lives,” said Mr. Schnitzer. “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. The artists in this exhibition bring us joy and humor, but also thoughtful challenges about our health based on what we eat!”
The exhibition also includes work by Katherine Ace, Neal Ambrose-Smith, Chris Antemann, Enrique Chagoya, Corwin Clairmont, Warrington Colescott, Robert Cottingham, Abraham Cruzvillegas, David Gilhooly, Red Grooms, Damien Hirst, Malia Jensen, Jasper Johns, Alex Katz, Ellsworth Kelly, Roy Lichtenstein, Hung Liu, Bruce Nauman, Claes Oldenburg, Ed Ruscha, Alison Saar, Analia Saban, Jonathan Seliger, Lorna Simpson, Donald Sultan, Wayne Thiebaud, Andy Warhol, Rachel Whiteread, and Sherrie Wolf.
In conjunction with the show, and in celebration of the East End’s agricultural history, food events are being planned in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and local organizations. These will include workshops, educational programming, and panel discussions.
The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation has arranged over 180 exhibitions and has had art exhibited in more than 160 museums. Mr. Schnitzer lends work from his collection to qualified institutions with no additional fees.
“The Art of Food” has been organized by Ms. Erni, with additional support from Kaitlin Halloran, the museum’s assistant curator and publications coordinator. It will be on view through June 30.
