Taste Joseph Bloomquist

Nature Morte au Casse-Croute (still life with snacks and bottle), 1962, Pablo Picasso. FORM, CONTEXT: Pablo Picasso's name is synonymous with Art with pieces that are celebrated all over the world. In this piece Picasso used his cubist background as seen in this layered composition. Thick bold lines are used to emphasize the snacks. Linocut is used, which is a printmaking technique that involves carving a design linoleum and is used as a relief surface. Picasso used Linocut in the 50's & 60's which allowed him to explore traditional still life in a contemporary style. This allows Contrast between the light and dark areas or our snacks and the background, typical of linocuts, and gives this piece actual texture. Negative spaces highlight the contours of our bottle and individual snacks. The snacks and bottle are an ordinary meal, something you can enjoy alone or with an intimate group. Picasso elevates these everyday items in playful fun way that most of us and has experienced and can evoke a powerful memory or emotion to a time where we too may have enjoyed this exact appetizer.

Still Life with Oysters, a Silver Tazza, And Glassware, W_C Heda 1635 CONTENT, CONTEXT, FORM: Brunch. For centuries people have come together to spend time with one another over this activity. This painting shows a scene the aftermath of a late breakfast. We also see elegant silver serving platters and knives. Willem Claeszoon Heda was a Dutch golden age artist from the city of Haarlem, Netherlands. He was devoted almost exclusively to still life painting which likely grew from the Haarlem still life tradition. He is known for his late breakfast genre of painting. As we know and love today as brunch! The placement of these objects leads your eyes diagonally across the canvas from the subject to the background creating depth for us. A strong light source illuminates the scene shimmering silver combined with the organic texture of the oysters demonstrates Heda’s mastery of Realism. When the natural light hits you can see the water from the ocean in the oyster itself.

Still Life with Crystal Bowl, Roy Lichtenstein, 1972. FORM: The crystal bowl & fruit, a staple in art history and a great start to anyone’s day or a light snack with a bowl of fruit. The arrangement of objects is traditional for a still life, but the execution is much more modern and energetic. The limited color palette uses primary colors alongside the black, white and green. The contrast makes the fruits POP. The use of ben day dots which are carefully applied by hand or stencil mimic that of printed media. the clean black precise lines provide structure and clarity to this piece. This commercialized style elevates everyday items just like a good breakfast can elevate our day.

Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds & Pretzels by Clara Peeters 1615. FORM, CONTENT: Not all of us eat a hearty Breakfast, maybe we enjoy snacking, or maybe life is moving so fast it’s all we can reach for now. A Variety of cheeses are stacked in to make a pyramid. topped with a plate of butter. This main focal point is joined by almonds and pretzels on a porcelain dish and venetian glass. These imported items reflect the wealth and trade connections of the time. The perishable food alludes to the transient nature of life.

The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci, 1494-1498. CONTENT,FORM: Just like this painting has inspired countless works of art, literature and films. So has food, it’s a symbol just like the symbolism in this piece. this piece represents both the betrayal of Christ and the promise of redemption through the eucharist. Each disciple’s expression and posture reflect their emotional response from shock to denial. Judas, the betrayer is holding a small bag of silver which symbolizes his eventual betrayal. the list goes on. Jesus is centered forming a calm triangular shape that contrasts the gestures and actions of the disciples. Leonardo uses a linear perspective to draw attention to Jesus with a vanishing point above his head emphasizing his status and role. Just like this work exemplifies human ideals, and the relationship between figures and space. Dinner whether a positive or negative reason can be a way to bring us together

The Peasant Wedding, Peter Bruegel ,1567. CONTENT, FORM: Weddings are significant social events that emphasize the communal aspect of peasant life which brings families and neighbors together. The attention to detail is extraordinary. Guests are shown eating, drinking and chatting with their varied postures and expressions giving the scene a dynamic quality. The depth created by arranging the guests diagonally, draws your eye towards the feast and the bride. The simple meal- bread porridge and beer - highlights peasant life. they are depicted using realism with rough faces and patched clothes. earthy tones dominate, reflecting these modes rustic setting. More vibrant colors are used sparingly to draw attention. We see this as simple get togethers or sometimes extravagant celebrations which brings us all together.

Ice Cream Cones, Wayne Thiebaud, 1964. FORM: Ice cream, I scream? we all scream for Ice cream. Ice cream. do I need to say more? the clean rounded lines of the scoops contrast with the sharp pointed edges of the cones. Thick creamy paint is applied in layers bringing that creamy ice cream texture to life. Cones while textured a less than that of the ice cream creating contrast between the creamy softness and crisp cone. the cones and scoops are reduced to their basic geometric shape, choosing your favorite flavor can be simple. Not like those shadows in unexpected colors adding a certain vibrancy. I would not exaggerate how much Ice cream brings us together, but these exaggerated colors add vibrancy and a sense of playfulness.

Pie Counter, Wayne Thiebaud, 1963. FORM: Do you remember winning the recent baking contest with your pie? Me neither! I buy my pies over the counter like most of you. When I make my decisions, I like when the displays are arranged in straight orderly rows across the counter emphasizing repetition and Geometry. The Bold, darker outlines around the pies and plates gives them an almost cartoon like quality, like it’s too good to be true. The counter is rendered with smoother, flatter brush work creating distinction between the choices. The vibrant yellows and brown contrasts against the cooler toned counter evoking the sweetness of the dessert. whether its store bought of freshly made at home or your local diner Pie has brought us together in more ways than one.