Artist Statement
The last meals tradition is one of the quirkier concepts from the American criminal justice system. In much the same way that last words are reflection of the way you lived your life, it is the belief of our group that your last meal can be a reflection of your life as well. If you truly "are what you eat," then perhaps what you will die eating says more about you then you know. We took on the concept of last meals, constructing a jail scene with five trays—for one for each of us. Each one was placed in front of a mug shot of ourselves, and the tray is filled with what we would like to have as our last meal if—heaven forbid—we were on death row. We wanted to create food that was enticing, and have it be a contrast to the morbid environment created by the cold metal trays, the black burlap, and the mugshots.
Our project confronts the viewer with the question of the last meal tradition, and brings them to a hypothetical scenario where they are deciding the last meal they will ever eat. We hope that this decision leaves our viewers with some serious food for thought.
Our project confronts the viewer with the question of the last meal tradition, and brings them to a hypothetical scenario where they are deciding the last meal they will ever eat. We hope that this decision leaves our viewers with some serious food for thought.
The installation as a whole.
The mugshots that we had hanging on the wall, featuring members of our group.
The final table setting.
Our artist statement, set as a place at the table.
Paul's meal: a sandwich, a glass of coke, and a slice of apple pie.
Kristine's meal: sushi, cake, and milk
Nathan's meal: Chic-Fill-A waffle fries, sauce, chicken parmesean
Close-up of the bread and chicken.
Taylor's Meal: Crab legs, apple pie, peach rings, and peach soda.
Kassidy's Meal: French toast, onion rings, frosted animal cookies, and apple juice.
