Monday, February 14, 2011

Food for Thought.













Art and food.
I’ve always loved the combination. There’s something about experiencing interesting art over good food and wine.

I’m sure I’m not the only one guilty of contemplating an abstract, landscape or figurative painting across a table whilst in conversation or waiting for an entrée or main course to arrive. Mind you, I’m easily distracted when it comes to art, particularly paintings or drawings.

In what is now the second time I have exhibited paintings in a city restaurant, I am pleased to announce an exhibition of mostly new or unseen works at Celsius Restaurant & Bar in Adelaide, South Australia.

It’s funny, many artists might baulk at the idea of exhibiting anywhere outside of a gallery space but I simply love the opportunity and environment, especially knowing that the works are experienced for a far longer period of time and often by a wider range of people as they study, scrutinize or simply glance over at the works during warm conversation and culinary delights. Often this is some diners first or only introduction to contemporary art, as many don’t dare step inside a proper commercial gallery space.

So it is.
What I can tell you is that this particular restaurant is noted for creating art on a plate and has recently picked up a “best new restaurant” award in Adelaide.
It’s run by two charming brothers Kasim and Ayham Erkoc.

Ayham, who was awarded the title of Chef of the Year in 2008, has worked at this year’s ruling best restaurant of the year, in the world, that is, Noma, in Copenhagen, as well as Marque and Pier in Sydney.
Hopefully having my work on the walls there will be complimentary to the art on the menu, and that just for a moment they too might be distracted from their day to day lives by canvasses of thick paint.


So, want to check out my recent work over a great meal?
Here’s where to head if you’re in the neighborhood..

Celsius Restaurant and Bar
95 – 97 Gouger Street
Phone: 8231 6023
celsiusrestaurant.com.au
Mon and Sat: 6pm – Late
Tue – Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – Late 


Here's a selection of the works available for sale at the restaurant. Just click on an image to enlarge. There is a close-up of the painting surface below each image.
 
 




























TITLE: “FREE YOUR BIRD”
MEDIUM:  OIL & COLLAGE ON CANVAS
H X W: 75 x 40cm



































TITLE: “LETTER FROM VINCENT (VAN GOGH)”
MEDIUM:  OIL ON CANVAS
H X W: 100 x 75cm

  























TITLE: “GIRL ON A WHITE CANVAS”
MEDIUM:  OIL ON CANVAS
H X W: 101 x 75cm

































TITLE: “SAVE YOUR BREATH”
MEDIUM:  OIL ON CANVAS
H X W: 120 x 90cm


































TITLE: “LETTER FROM FRIDA (KAHLO)”
MEDIUM:  OIL & COLLAGE ON CANVAS
H X W: 76 x 50cm

































TITLE: “THE CROSSROADS”
MEDIUM:  OIL ON CANVAS
H X W: 100 x 75cm
 
































TITLE: “THE YELLOW HIJAB”
MEDIUM:  OIL ON CANVAS
H X W: 101 x 75cm

































TITLE: “SPEAK NO ART”
MEDIUM:  OIL & COLLAGE ON CANVAS
H X W: 60 x 50cm 

































TITLE: “HARD JAZZ CAFE”
MEDIUM:  OIL ON BOARD
H X W: 120 x 92cm


TITLE: “GONE FOR COFFEE”
MEDIUM:  OIL ON CANVAS
H X W: 122 x 92cm



Celsius Restaurant and Bar
95 – 97 Gouger Street
Phone: 8231 6023
celsiusrestaurant.com.au
Mon and Sat: 6pm – Late
Tue – Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – Late



A recent article from "Adelaide Now".
One of the paintings is featured in the photo.

FIVE is the magic number.
Five of Adelaide's best chefs showcased their talents in a unique dining event at Celsius Restaurant last night.
The dinner had five chefs, five courses and five wineries, with the event aiming to raise $10,000 for the children's family cancer charity, Camp Quality.
Lachlan Colwill with Emma Shearer from The Manse (who were counted as one), Ayhan Erkoc from Celsius Restaurant, Vincenzo LaMontagna from Vincenzo's Cucina Vera, James Brinklow from The Lane and Johny Triscari from Chloe's each created one course at the dinner, matched with wines from Natural Selection Theory, K.T, Alpha Box and Dice, Samuel's Gorge and BK Wines.
Executive chef at Celsius Restaurant Ayhan was chuffed with the event.
"Adelaide's dining scene is alive," Ayhan says.
"We are all passionate about food in this city and by coming together for this event we are learning from each other, having fun, raising money for charity, and we give people an amazing food and wine experience."