Penelope Kupfer: Insects

Penelope Kupfer's exhibition Insects is a contemplative and meditative research into the concept of food through the pretext of a polemic dish: insects. The idea behind the artist’s drawings is that eating choices are also the manifestation of an anxiety related to immortality. Eating is the wish to perpetuate one’s existence.

Insects are a stereotypical "disgusting" food in the majority of the Western world, despite being rich and efficient in protein and ecologically superior to live stocks. They are a more sustainable option yet play interesting cultural charade games with the Western public. What is behind the culture that refuses insect food while accepting other insect-like options such as shrimp, lobster and crabs?

Kupfer's process is a slow and meditative one, allowing her to explore not only the insect itself, but more importantly, her relationship with it. In doing so, the viewer is also prompted to reflect upon their own relationship with insects, food, and their position in the greater environment.

The work encourages important dialogue about the cultural, social and environmental issues that surround Entomophagy in the 21st century.

The artist has been featured in exhibitions in London, Berlin, New York and Sao Paulo, including MoMA NY and a series of workshops at the Tate Britain. In her first solo exhibition at The Vaults Gallery, Kupfer will present 24 original new works, alongside a series of hand finished screen prints.