October 2019

CURRENT:LA FOOD

Food culture is more diverse today, offering more possibilities for exploration than ever before. From modern scientific experiments to the revival of local ethnic traditions, these developments are cause for wonder and celebration. And yet, we have food that is increasingly unhealthy and is unjustly distributed, while hunger and malnutrition continue to plague demographics around the world. The contributing artists for CURRENT:LA FOOD highlighted the advances — as well as the challenges — we face as producers and consumers.

Through major public art commissions and public programs with local, international, and multigenerational artists, CURRENT:LA FOOD explored the multiplicity of food. Placement of the CURRENT:LA FOOD projects within LA’s burgeoning public transit infrastructure allowed for greater exploration and access, bringing these projects directly to residents and visitors throughout the city. Through an intricate partnership between artists and community members, CURRENT:LA FOOD shed new light on the precarious balance between pleasure and peril found in food today, and the many ways food gives expression to social and political life.

COOK WITH THE SUN

For CURRENT: LA Bed & Breakfast fabricated three solar cookers and facilitated workshops where participants learned how to make their own DIY cookers. Additionally, an instructional publication with plans and recipes for a variety of DIY methods, as well as B&B artist contributions was printed to illustrate the energy-efficient (and fun!) process of cooking with the sun. Guests were fed stew, bread, and tea made with a box, panel, and parabolic cooker. Workshops took place at Roger Jessup Park in Pacoima throughout October, 2019.

Zine designed by Ali Prosch with contributions by misael soto, Cristina Favretto, Lilja Birgisdottir, Ali Prosch, Kevin Arrow, Akina Cox and Jenna Balfe.