Diriyah workshop
explores interplay between culture and politics in the realm of food
The Diriyah Biennale
Foundation recently organized a workshop in Riyadh as part of its year-long
event series known as Biennale Encounters. This particular event aimed to delve
into the intricate interplay between culture and politics in the realm of food.
Notably, it featured a presentation by two distinguished artists, Tayeba Begum
and Mahbubur Rahman, who hail from the renowned Britto Arts Trust in Dhaka,
Bangladesh. Central to their artistic endeavors is the Pakghor project, a
unique social kitchen initiative that has garnered global attention.
Pakghor made its debut
at Documenta fifteen, a prestigious contemporary art exhibition held in Kassel,
Germany. At this remarkable event, Begum and Rahman transformed an open-air
space into a Bengali domestic vegetable garden, embarking on an extraordinary
culinary journey. Over the course of 100 days, they painstakingly crafted
dishes from 100 distinct recipes, symbolizing the rich tapestry of global
cuisine.
During their
enlightening workshop in Riyadh, Begum and Rahman captivated attendees with
enthralling stories and delectable recipes drawn from their experiences with
the social kitchen. What added an extra layer of excitement to the event was
their announcement of their intention to bring their open-air kitchen spectacle
to the heart of Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh. In this new setting, their goal
is not only to share their diverse culinary creations but also to foster
meaningful interactions among people from various backgrounds.
As Rahman articulated,
the core essence of their project lies in promoting interaction, akin to the
bonds within families and neighborhoods. However, they are keenly aware of the
challenges posed by Riyadh's unique geography and cultural context, especially
its arid climate. Nevertheless, their determination remains unwavering as they
collaborate with a local farmer, drawing upon his invaluable insights and
guidance.
The upcoming event in
the Biennale Encounters series, titled "Njokobok," is scheduled for
September 9th. It promises to provide an exciting platform for residents and
members of diverse communities in Diriyah and Riyadh. Participants will come
together to prepare a single dish, celebrating the universality of food as a
unifying force that transcends boundaries. This event is set to be a testament
to the power of art and gastronomy in fostering connections and bridging
cultural divides.
Source: https://www.abouther.com/
0 Comments