Art reveals how food shapes our identity in a provocative exhibition

In the United States, the Frist Art Museum is set to showcase two exhibitions from January 31 to May 4, 2025, which explore the themes of food and identity through impressionist and realist paintings. The exhibitions titled Farm to Table: Art, Food, and Identity in the Age of Impressionism and Tennessee Harvest: 1870s–1920s aim to analyze the relationships between gastronomy and artistic expression during significant historical periods. Curated by Andrew Eschelbacher, these companion exhibitions will feature works emphasizing the cultural significance of food in France, particularly reflecting upon the era's social challenges, gastronomic evolution, and its connection to the wider context of the time. Several paintings will portray scenes from agricultural life, dining experiences, and the contrasting realities of lavish banquets alongside societal issues such as hunger and poverty. The Tennessee Harvest exhibition, co-curated by Mark Scala and Candice Candeto, highlights connections between local artists and European artistic traditions. Featuring 16 works from the 19th and early 20th centuries, this part of the exhibition features works by artists like Lloyd Branson and Catherine Wiley. Through these portrayals, the exhibition examines how Tennessee artists adopted European styles and addressed similar themes related to food, agriculture, and the cultural implications behind them. A notable focus will be placed on the societal narratives that these artworks create, including the absence of Black farmers and communities in such romanticized depictions. Together, these exhibitions not only celebrate agricultural heritage but also provoke discussions about the socio-political landscapes that shaped these culinary traditions and artistic interpretations. They serve as an insightful exploration of how food has influenced cultural identities, reminding viewers of the complexities found within both French and Southern American art. By presenting these curated exhibits, the Frist Art Museum offers a valuable contribution to understanding the multifaceted role that food and identity play in shaping artistic expression and conveying social narratives. The Frist Art Museum has also been successful in securing sponsorships from entities like HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health and support from foundations for their upcoming events. This reflects a commitment to promote arts in the region and to engage the community through diverse exhibitions that inspire fresh perspectives on art and culture.