Stories on a Banana Leaf is an online art exhibition by Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) that explores the intersection between food and art.
A woman dances in between red chillies. A man fry’s fish on a stove. A capsicum that looks like a pumpkin. The common thread that connects these statements is food.
And it is through a collection of artworks from MAP’s collection and a recipe to match the artwork that forms the crux of Stories on a Banana Leaf.
The exhibition showcases a range of artworks from MAP’s collection, all which display some connection to food or an ingredient. For instance, KG Subramanyan’s painting depicting a cat and fish inspired the MAP team to provide recipes and memories with fish. Similarly, pomegranate motifs on an 18th century robe, presumably from the Coromandel coast, brought in anecdotes and recipes highlighting the fruit. The exhibition also has several unique artefacts that are directly related to food such as the coconut grater and vegetable cutter from the 18th -19th century.
Read the full story that first appeared in The New Indian Express dated Sep 5, 2021 here: