Please do not drool on the paintings
‘ THE FEAST’ EXHIBITION
There are precious few great levellers, those things we all have in common whether we like it or not. Death is one, but then there are rumours of life thereafter. Taxes are another, but everyone knows there are loopholes.
That leaves hunger, a sensation amply sated in the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s new exhibition The Feast: Food in Art, which looks to food in all of its glory with works from both the permanent collection and institutions across Canada and the United States.
It’s best to view all art when ravenous, but this show absolutely demands a low belly growl verging on a hypo-glycemic redzone, a hunger so wanting that it will make the fruits and fish, lollipops and Rice Krispie pagodas (care of Shelly Low, 2004) look that much more mouth-wateringly good. Artists on the roster include Mary Pratt, Claes Oldenburg, David Hockney, Naomi London, Georges Braque and William Eakin addressing issues of sustenance, presentation, social custom and, of course, the act of eating as a pleasurable and limitlessly sensual endeavour. ❚ To Dec. 31, 2005. At 123 King St. W., Hamilton. 905-527-6610. www. artgalleryofhamilton. on. ca.