Bodies, taste, environment + art combine in intimate ceremony.
BODY BANQUETS is an immersive interplay of the essential and and the erotic.
Body Banquets is a collection of naked bodies in a treasure trail through a forest. It presents provocative flavours and scenarios to self guiding audiences about food; its' history, future, security and sourcing.
It was first presented at Burning Seed Festival in 2014.
"Charlie Ahrens' Body Banquets was one of my single best art experiences in all my years of burning."
Audience feedback
The classicists fantasy. A still life painting comes alive in delectable morsels served with sparkling wine.
Condensed flavours in jellies from petri dishes and liquors in test tubes. What is the future of food?
Vibrant. Fresh. Raw. Use only your teeth; no hands. A human trellis splashing sauce on their chest to bring this puppet to life.
Bread dripping with honey swings over the ceremonial scene. Which spiciness will you pair with your sweetness?
Each installation is a self contained experience for up to 8 people at a time. Each 'sitting' is facilitated by a host that maintains health and safety standards whilst inviting audiences to engage with the body and food in all their different presentations.
The original parameters were challenging: no refrigeration, food onsite for 4 days before consumption, no cooking infrastructure, power or running water. We accommodated 120+ participants over a 2 hour timeframe. This inspired simple yet inventive taste experiences. There is scope to enrich and expand the collection. In a better equipped scenario the possibilities are infinte. We could also develop partnerships with local food specialists to devise new twists to the existing collection.
"One of the most sassy, sensual, tasty, touchy, reverent, presenced, delightful site-specific art experiences ever."
Audience feedback