In the belly of the whale

Food presentation for an event can prove to be an interesting subject, and no more so than when that event is a new sculpture installation. At the recent lunch held at the Hunt Kastner gallery in Žižkov, sculptor Dominik Lang wanted the food to be a part of the concept of his installation, Bone Collectors. He also requested that some of his sculpting tools be incorporated into the food.

Given that I have to consider all the practicalities of catering an event in addition to the food itself, this was most certainly not a case of "art for art's sake". The resulting menu incorporated some hidden surprises; fennel & apple salad with feta & cranberries was served in parchment paper envelopes - those guests who unwrapped Dominik's sculpting tools from their salad packet were thrilled to receive these hidden gifts; the apple cider vinaigrette dressing was served in shot glasses placed onto each plate.

A main course of canelloni stuffed with mushrooms, spinach & lemon continued the theme of enclosed objects, while roasted garlic shrimp & lime reflected the concept of the whale skeleton which inspired the sculpture iteself. And to finish up, chocolate roulade was filled with fresh whipped cream, placed over a drizzle of wild berry sauce and embelished with jewel-like pomegranate seeds.

Thanks go to the wonderful Kacha Kastner and Camille Hunt of Hunt Kastner for an enjoyable and challenging experience.

The installation Bone Collectors by Dominik Lang runs until 13.6.2015 at Hunt Kastner, Bořivojova 85, Prague 3. www.huntkastner.com