BREAKING THE MOULD
Sculptures from jelly
With every step forward comes a little jiggle as people close in to inspect the vibrantly colourful jelly sculptures that have put the wobble in this year’s Wellington On a Plate.
Some are black garnished with gold specks; another features green pyramids shining in the sunlight gleaming through a display window, which in itself adds to the challenge of the display.
Auckland jellyologist Jessica Mentis has a background in architecture which helps her create these uniquely shaped sculptures. ‘‘My whole practice aims to sit at the interflow of arts, architecture, set design and gastronomy,’’ she says.
People can also make customised sculptures, choosing from a variety of flavours, such as saffron, granny smith apple and caramel in a 30-minute laboratory session.
These ‘‘Mad Labs’’, costing $45, were held last week for members of the public to attend.
If you’re tempted to head there for a look, you will most probably find it hard not to prod the sculptures just to see them jiggle.
Mentis says that is all a part of the experience. ‘‘If it can elicit a bit of excitement, then touch away.’’
The gelatin in the sculptures was beefed up to withstand a bit of touching and heat from the sun, in case Wellington turned out some summery weather in the middle of winter. ‘‘It’s a bit of a test to see how they will hold.’’
Mentis made sure she came prepared, in case the fortifying action she took on the jelly didn’t do its job; she stored back-up sculptures in the fridge.
As well as holding exhibitions, Mentis caters jelly parties in Auckland, where people get to experience gin jelly shots and edible espresso martinis. Described as quite ‘‘boozy’’, they are well received among certain party groups, she says.
For the Wellington exhibition, however, the booze was omitted, so people could focus their eyes on the dozens of unusually wobbly artworks.