Cucina è Bello Participatory Art Project

Elena Braida developed Cucina è Bello Participatory Art as her graduation project at the 2020 Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam. For this unique installation, she invited CTP – Conversation Taking Place because she wanted to collaborate on the concept. Together, we designed ceramic plates specifically meant for eating gnocchi, recreating her Grandma’s inherited recipe. The collaboration therefore blends culinary tradition and artistic expression, resulting in an immersive, participatory experience.

Concept and Visitor Engagement

Participation and sensory experience play a central role in the Cucina è Bello Participatory Art installation. Visitors are invited to actively engage by eating gnocchi on the specially crafted ceramic plates. In our collaboration, we focused on creating elements that amplify the narrative of heritage and shared memory. Consequently, the project successfully combines food culture with visual art in a meaningful way.

Artistic and Cultural Importance

Transforming the everyday acts of cooking and eating into art, the Cucina è Bello Participatory Art highlights the emotional significance of family recipes and traditions. Moreover, the ceramic plates symbolize this cultural transmission, encouraging visitors to reflect on the beauty and ritual of shared meals.

About Elena Braida and Gerrit Rietveld Academie

Elena Braida is a visual artist and designer whose work explores the intersections of craft, food, and participation. She graduated from the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in 2020. Her project, Cucina è Bello Participatory Art, exemplifies the academy’s focus on experimental and community-driven artistic practices.

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