A feast for the eyes
SYDENHAM - ARTIST Collette Edmonds is due to launch an exhibition inspired by the mystery of food and community.
Titled Babette’s Feast | Astrid’s Choice, the exhibition draws on the classic Danish film, Babette’s Feast, as well as Edmonds’s own fascination with the ways in which food transforms and unites people.
Set in 19th century Jutland, Babette’s Feast tells the story of an aging religious community transformed by the arrival of a Parisian chef, who scandalises and eventually reconciles the villagers by throwing a lavish feast. Inspired to recreate Babette’s merging of community and cuisine, Edmonds and her friend Astrid hosted their own masked banquet.
“I felt that we needed a comparison – a contemporary feast,” said Edmonds, explaining her fascination with the psychological effect on her guests, not only of interacting with the anonymous freedom brought by a mask, but of eating together.
The result of Edmonds’s exploration, 53 pieces in mixed media from oils to dry point printing, presents a compilation of images taken from both Babette’s Feast and Astrid’s banquet. The elderly peasants of the film, rendered in sombre blues and greys, contrasts with Edmonds’s younger guests in warmer, brighter shades. The juxtaposition of fictional story and real event, 19th century Denmark and 21st century South Africa, illustrates the unity that food brings to people in all times and places.
“There’s more to eating when we come together as a community… I suppose I’m still trying to get to the bottom of the mystery,” Edmonds mused.
Babette’s Feast | Astrid’s Choice is Edmonds’ second exhibition in the five years since she retired from teaching art and became a full-time artist. She estimates that research and work have occupied most afternoons for two years. Juggling art with running a household and caring for her family is difficult, Edmonds says, but she won’t let the challenge discourage her.
“You’ve got to go out there whether you’re going to sell or not. You have to believe in yourself… To women who try so hard, go out there. Don’t be afraid – just do it,” she encouraged.
Details: Bamboo Gallery, 53 Rustenburg Road, Melville; 7-14 October, 9.30am-5pm; 083 531 7292; www.artcollette.co.za
