You know what I really like? Food. The more of it the better. I like it morning, afternoon and night. I like it sitting down and whilst walking. Sometimes, I lie in bed at night and catalogue everything that I ate that day and what I plan to eat the next. And do you know what my six-year-old self wanted to be when she grew up? A fruit roll-up.
It’s nice to know somebody else shares my unhealthy obsession balanced diet.
In fact, if food were a cult (which it rightfully should be), Dawn Tan would be its holy leader. She is definitely not content to simply imitate foodstuffs by rolling around in a sleeping bag whilst clutching strawberries. As the artist says herself,“I love food so much, that it makes me make art out of it.” (Insider’s tip #1: You know you’re possessed when your food starts to talk to you.)
The Melbourne artist takes ordinary packaged food items – such as teabags, marshmallows, and that crumbly fake cheese that gives you cancer – and makes them into full-blown wearable sculptures. She then proceeds to wear them around her house and city with a photographer in tow. Obsessive, yes, but it sure does beat Masterchef.
Dawn also dabbles in illustrations – some of which have been featured in the likes of Frankie Magazine – which form the basis of visual food diaries. She says this work stems from a fascination with mass-produced food, global consumption, and “how traditional made-from-scratch meals are now replaced often by instant colourful packaged food”. So basically, there’s a method behind her hunger. Now pass us a scone, Dawn.
Mmmmore at dawn-tan.com.
Dawn will be part of the upcoming Fully Six Youngbloods show.
Tuesday 12th of October from 6pm at
Guildford Lane Gallery
(20-24 Guildford Lane
Melbourne).