In the basement of the municipal gallery in Kharkiv, an exhibition of inedible dishes has opened. Artist Terra Neidorf from Kyiv presented photos and installations of Ukrainian food 'for the enemy,' made from soil, stones, and poisonous plants.
Kharkiv is the second city after Kryvyi Rih where the artist showcased her works. For the exhibition, she created five installations representing dishes from Kharkiv cuisine.
"We know our enemy well. He is not interested in Ukrainian culture, history, achievements, intelligence, and talents of our people; he destroys all of that. The only thing the adversary is interested in is Ukrainian land. Why not give him what he wants but on our terms, on the terms of the hosts?" explains the artist in a press release on her website.
"Mixture" or "Medley." Ingredients: Water found in nature, Inedible berries, Sand with impurities, A few twigs or leaves from the plant that produced the berries
Terra Neidorf studied at the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts and is currently studying at the Lviv National Academy of Arts. Her main directions include environmental interaction, land art, performance, photography, installation, video, and text.
"Limp Salad." Ingredients: Wilted leaves, Rotten vegetables or fruits, Mold from the cellar, Black soil
The artist's exhibition is an artistic response from Kharkiv to Russian aggression. She created the installation dishes after communicating with a local resident who helped the artist identify the peculiarities of the Kharkiv region, outline possible ingredients, and characteristic dishes.
"The title of the project may sound primitive, but it is about the struggle of free-spirited people who will feed anyone in need. We do not honor the enemy with our hospitality; we retaliate with it," explains Terra Neidorf.
"Varenyky". Ingredients: Chernozem (black soil), Water from the street, Small to medium-sized stones
The exposition will run until January 20.
