A Feast for the Eyes and the Heart: Reflecting on Gestures of Hospitality

What does food or eating mean to you? Is it merely a daily routine, or a source of nourishment for both body and soul? In Taiwan, we often greet one another by asking, “Have you eaten yet?”—a warm expression of care equivalent to saying “hello” in my hometown. Food and hospitality have always been central elements in my life. This exhibition reminded me of many precious memories, especially of my mother’s daily homemade dinners, which were not only nutritious but also visually appealing, aromatic, and delicious.

The Gestures of Hospitality exhibition—a Blindside Activation Period—presented diverse perspectives on food. In 2025, as a counterpoint to Blindside’s regular exhibition programming, the gallery introduced Activation Periods. These periods allow for open and experimental projects, with varied timelines, and a focus on collaboration and exchange through public-programs. For Gestures of Hospitality, Blindside’s Public Program Coordinator Grey Dear, brought together seven artists who are interested in food.

Some works, such as Lily Walker’s paintings, conveyed the joy of shared meals with family and friends. Others, like Jenn Tran’s video installation, which depicted a migrant family’s dining scene, explored complex emotions surrounding identity and belonging. Vivian Qui, an artist of Chinese heritage, used rice as her medium to examine mental health through acts of sticking, weaving, and relaxing: a meditative practice that invited viewers to pause and reflect. In addition, two live performances expanded the exhibition’s scope: an exotic Southern Slavic dinner by Baba Baka; and an unpredictable cooking show by Ronen Jafari and Juliette Berkeley. Gestures of Hospitality was an exhibition that made visitors hungry, reflective, and mindful all at once.

On the opening night, fortunate audience members had the chance to taste Walker’s delicious cakes, the same ones that appeared in her paintings. This thoughtful gesture created an intimate connection between the artist and her audience, transforming the gallery into a space of shared warmth. This small act questioned how one can offer additional care to an audience, when presenting contemporary practice. Walker’s works are as sweet as her personality: bright, colourful, and sincere. Through her paintings, the audience could almost feel a part of her family gatherings, through food preparation, sharing their sense of love and belonging.

The second gallery space offered a contrasting atmosphere: quiet, calm, and deeply meditative, reflecting an Asian sensibility. I could relate to Qui’s portrayal of anxiety and the struggle to slow down, as it resonates strongly with contemporary life in many Asian cultures. Through her act of tying knots and transforming rice into vessel-like forms, she invited the audience to experience stillness and self-reflection. Meanwhile, Tran’s small TV installation used humour to present dining memories from a migrant family, evoking questions of identity and cultural connection. Her work felt familiar, as if reflecting part of my own stories.

Although I was able to attend only one of the live performances, Baba Baka’s Southern Slavic dinner left a deep impression. They transformed Blindside into a traditional South Slavic family restaurant, filling the space with music and the aroma of homemade food. Even as an observer, rather than a dinner participant, I could sense their warmth and care. I was delighted to taste a piece of their traditional candy. Their performance brought an authentic Southern Slavic dining experience to Blindside, blending art and culture seamlessly.

Ultimately, Gestures of Hospitality felt like visiting a series of friends’ homes. Some homes were lively and vibrant, shown through Walker’s paintings and Baba Baka’s dinner; while other homes were calm and contemplative, such as Qui’s reflective space of meditation. Together, they represented diverse expressions of hospitality—just like the multicultural lives we share here in Naarm/Melbourne, a city enriched by many cultural voices and cuisines.