Robert Kushner, the artist, and Steve Kasher, art curator and gallery owner, set the tone at last nights Gastronomica Forum for Food Fashion. Mr Kushner dove into the humor food evokes from eroticism, while Mr Kasher supported his comments with the idea of oxymoron and symbolism from the imagery.
They weren't the only two on the panel, though, which was headed by Gastronomica Editor in Cheif (and creator), Dara Goldstein. The other fellows at the table were Becky Conekin, author of Lee Miller's article, and Susan Spungen, highly successful food stylist (and wife of Steve Kasher).
The evening started with cocktails and vegetarian fare in the bar area of Astor and then moved to the gallery where we gathered for a scanty and tasty fashion show. This was a reprise of Robert's 1972 show Robert Kushner and Friends Eat Their Clothes (which premiered in California). The models were bejeweled with carrots, radishes, criminis, cabbage, collards, gummy fruits, and carbs (all vegetation). As laughter trickled through the room, probably a combination of some uncomfortable audience members and those who truly "got it", the mood was light and FUN. Nothing was taken to seriously, especially as the models ate each other's clothes.
We all made a quarter turn and listened intently to a discussion focusing on Food, Fashion & Photography. I have tons of notes, but I want to make a point by saying that THIS is what food events should be: new, fun, thoughtful, inspirational, and humble. Ms Goldstein has such a posh way of positioning and articulating different voices from different industries about the same theme. This was my third Gastronomica forum. The group was focused, articulate, informative, and left me with a playground for new thoughts.
At the end, a huge congratulations to my friends at the Astor Center for yet another grounded evening to celebrate food and culture.
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