The way we eat 2021

The Art Gallery of New South Wales presents The Way We Eat, a new exhibition bringing together works of Chinese art related to food - that ancient source of inspiration, pleasure and tension.

The exhibition features more than 100 historical treasures and dramatic contemporary artworks drawn from the Gallery's extensive holdings of Asian art alongside loans from private collections, including the White Rabbit Collection.

The Way We Eat presents artworks and objects in a range of media under 4 themes: 'Essential', 'Exchange', 'Excess' and 'Enchanted'. These consider how food is made, stored and consumed; the evolution of culinary items; cultural exchange through food and food wares; and the ritual and symbolic meanings of food in Chinese culture.

Exhibition highlights include objects dating from 4000 years ago, through to contemporary works by artists based in China and Australia, including Ah Xian, Tianli Zu, Jason Phu and Guo Jian, which incorporate references to food in diverse and remarkable ways.