2023/06/17 BROT

I visited  London Design Biennale on 8th June in Somerset Hose. And found a really interesting exhibition which calls “BROT” in the Austria pavilion.

For the space, the small, bright room was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread. Sunlight gently streamed through the glass arch window, glowing warmly on the people inside. The entire exhibition hall was carefully arranged, clearly showcasing the bread-making workflow. From baking machines to illustrated videos, every step was presented in detail. At the corner, there was a small DJ booth where, through headphones, one could hear the rhythmic sound of bamboo sticks tapping against sourdough bread, creating a soothing and playful ambience.

After returning home from the Biennale, I researched for this exhibition. The curator Thomas Geisler said: ” A loaf or slice of bread may seem simple, but there is a curious complexity to the matter of bread. From geopolitical contexts to microbiological processes to multi-sensory experiences, bread and bread making can open up a whole new universe and pathway for transformative design practices.”

Site Photos

The exhibition showcased the story of sourdough bread to the audience through multiple senses, including sound, aroma, imagery, and tactile experiences. It extended beyond the bread itself and delved into the contradictions between food crisis, traditional craftsmanship, and commercialization. This provided me with great inspiration. After the conclusion of the second intervention, I felt that my project had reached a stagnation point. It made me realize that besides the painting workshops, art therapy could be applied in various other ways to unleash its effects. BROT, with its demonstration of the diverse possibilities of art therapy, gave me significant inspiration for further exploration.