At “Break Bread” a not-quite-edible art installation located in the 7,000-square-foot Think Tank Gallery on the edge of the garment district, “let them eat cake” is a misnomer. Rather, taking in the vast cake maze and candied light fixtures, the finely wrought food paintings, and life-size cardboard truck – the work of artists Scott Hove and Baker’s Son – the proper phrase would be “let them SEE cake.”
There’s a mirrored fun house of a maze with elaborate pink “cake” walls, crafted from paint and spackle and actual candy, which is the work of Hove,which also includes projected fire and rain in one portion of the maze.
And at the opposite end of the maze, a creepy bone cave – that utilizes real bones.
In another gallery space, there’s an urban street scene by Baker’s Son, a.k.a. Keith Magruder, who found inspiration in the treats of his youth and the loss of life on urban streets.
Opening night also included Lagunitas brews, a vast array of delicious breads from chocolate mint to raspberry from Challah Hub, gourmet gummies from Sugarfina, and Brigs, short for brigadeiro, the rich Brazilian candy designed to represent a variety of celebrations.
Don’t forget to look up!
With machine guns, teeth, and high heels that look as lethal as any weapon, the exhibition expresses the dark underbelly of sugar coated American life.
Break Bread runs through March 14th, and tickets are free on Eventbrite. Specific additional events from dinners to comedy nights are also available on Eventbrite for purchase. The exhibit itself is a must-see for both its kitschy appeal and dark underbelly, as well as its drool worthy art, and its sensual heft. When you walk into the installation, the first thing you’ll see is a glowing bed.
Perhaps you can have your cake, and eat it too. (puns intended)
- Genie Davis, all photos by Jack Burke