Objectives:

• Examine methods for evaluating qualities of art, such as product versus process, the difference between craft and fine art, must art be archival, and what is an aesthetic reaction.
•  Explore the notion of food as an art-form.
•  Consider cultural differences in the production and consumption food.

1) Food as art discussion:

I consider food as art; not because I am a ‘foodie’, but that I think if we understand art as “an inherent universal (or biological) trait of the human species” (Ellen. D, page 1), we could see that food is after all, something that should be recognized as art just as how we recognize fine art paintings. In Elizabeth Telfer’s essay on ‘Food as art’, she closely examined the word ‘aesthetic’ and claims that we often make aesthetic judgments based on the absence of the non-neutral reaction and when applying to food and drink, we could see food and drink as of having qualities such as tastes and smells that makes food artistic. The method of using aesthetic reactions to think about food and drink as art is valid and Telfer further argues that food is also possibly a craft. In my opinion, food is art because of its artistic sensational attributions and its nature as something critical to human survival. We could not live without food and biologically speaking, all the aroma and good tastes in food is a way to encourage people to intake nutrition and survive.

I would also like to claim that food and drink should be treated just as fine art pieces. Some philosophers may argue that food is not lasting and could not be saved for later viewings. I would say that food is not simply a production, but also a historical, cultural process that evolve with human development and societal changes. For example, the invention of MRE in the army is not only food, but also a representation of technology, advanced military affairs and the intelligence of people. As an essential element for human survival, food is closely related to everyday life and should therefore be treated as equally serious as other forms and mediums of art.

2) Essay about Food Art

Reflection:

Food is an essential part of human experience. When reading about the essay on food as art from Tefler, I kept thinking about Ellen’s argument about the biological view of art and that art is for human survival. I think that by arguing food is art, I am essentially saying that there should be no clear boundaries about what and whatnot is art. Art should be a universal value that could be anything, tangible or intangible, mundane or mystical. One should not say something is not art just because it is not exhibiting in a gallery.

I would say that in the discussion of food as art, I may be a little bit biased. As you know, I am very serious about culinary art and food pleasure. Maybe it is my personal love for food that makes me think food is art. However, I still enjoy the process of justifying food as art. It is through this process that I gain a better understanding of art in general and explore more about food in particular.

Future:

In the future, I would try to focus more on studying art with an unbiased mindset. Even if I hold strong personal opinions about something, I would aim to view things with fresh new eyes and an inclusive, accepting attitude.

Reference:

Tefler, E. (2002). Food as Art. In Neill, A. & Riley, A. (eds.) Arguing About Art: Contemporary Philosophical Debates (2nd ed., Chap. 2). New York, NY: Routledge.

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