Artist Statement

What better connects us than food? Food is a cultural signifier that serves to build bridges between communities worldwide whilst also connecting us to our own traditions. As societies become increasingly global, it becomes difficult to define what truly ‘belongs’ to certain cultures. I sought to convey this notion through an aerial view of multicultural food atop a future Pangea. These continents are crocheted together into a tablecloth, denoting the ubiquitous exchange of stories and knowledge often occurring at mealtimes. Hence, the work alerts the audience to the transience of culture and the diversity observed in our modern global village.

Artwork Process

I created a digital composition of various multicultural food from a bird’s-eye view, which symbolises migration — the view from an aeroplane leaving the Earth. The food was inspired by a survey of my friends’ dinner choices. I utilised acrylic paint to paint this composition onto calico, adopting a monochromatic blue palette to represent movement across oceans. Once dry, continental shapes were cut from the calico and connected using crochet. The outer edges were crocheted further to create trimming like a tablecloth, inviting the audience to extend the piece by considering their own experiences.

About the Artist

Name: Berylia Nuraina
School: Mansfield State High School
Artwork: Momentary
Media: Embroidery and synthetic polymer paint on calico

As an Indonesian who moved to Australia at the age of seven, I realise that the distinction between cultures is often blurred. My experience of culture has influenced my art practice and I am fascinated by the way people are able to connect despite having different experiences. This connection can be fostered through art, which has the ability to transcend time, culture, and geography, resonating with people from all walks of life.