Ruby Tandoh and University of the Arts London (UAL) have collaborated on a new Showcase collection of graduate projects which look at food culture from unexpected angles – revealing that there is so much more to food than cooking and eating.
568ml A Pint Please, Ruth Tomlinson, 2024 BA Graphic And Media Design, London College of Communication, UAL
Right now, we’re at an interesting time in food culture. Over the past 75 years in the UK, food – and the social issues that surround it – have become increasingly complex and diverse, shaped by global influences and economic change. We have more choice than ever before.
Thanks in part to social media, there’s been an explosion in food writing, too, and the conversation has expanded to encompass culture, history, economics. You’d think this would add depth and insight to our relationship with food. Actually, it has left us feeling confused. We spend so much time talking about food that sometimes we forget that we can actually do something about it.
This collection is about looking behind the plate, around the plate, sometimes at the plate itself, converting the endless discourse into shapes, solutions and materials that might make sense of our food systems. From ceramics to packaging, furniture to film, these projects take many approaches, but always from an unexpected angle that reveals how food is subjective, context dependent and ever-changing.
Some attempt to improve our food futures; others work with our experiences here and now to make sense of our relationship with what we eat. No work here promises an overview of the entire food system. That’s impossible. Instead, they slice through the chatter, each bringing delicious clarity to one specific element. Bon Appetit.
About University of the Arts London (UAL)
University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842 our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet.
As a University we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities; Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.
