Body is the latest inspiration for Rachel Chudley and Cassie Beadle, the two former art historians behind Guts for Garters. A conceptual space featuring hand-picked art and clothing, Chudley and Beadle choose a central theme and create a
Body is the latest inspiration for Rachel Chudley and Cassie Beadle, the two former art historians behind Guts for Garters. A conceptual space featuring hand-picked art and clothing, Chudley and Beadle choose a central theme and create a multifaceted exhibition around it. In support of the recent launch of their latest show, Anatomy, done in collaboration with the Cob Gallery, they presented two dinners hosted by Art for Eating, who served up an "anatomical" five-course meal. On the evening of the first dinner we are shown around the exhibition, which includes unseen paintings by David Courts (the designer of Keith Richard’s iconic skull ring), and Martha Todd’s smiling "thumb nose" skull. There is also a never before exhibited series of gold-framed photos of Genesis P-Orridge and his wife in flagrante, on loan from a private collection. Magnetised dresses from designer Cristina Sabaiduc’s latest collection are graced with fermented fruit patterns, and several couture Vivienne Westwood calicos hang alongside the stylised "fat" dress installation, Does My Butt Look Big In This?, by Grace Du Prez. Human and animal genitalia can be found in the design of the wallpapers, chandeliers and accessories that are installed throughout the showroom.
To steel us for the unexpected events ahead, we’re offered fish roe martinis from a recipe originally designed for Damien Hirst’s Pharmacy. The first course is then laid bare, in the form of a naked woman covered only in cold cuts, which are to be removed and enjoyed alongside fresh bread, cheeses and gherkins. After the meat dress has been eaten clean, the mood is set and our party of 18 are moved into a room where we find ourselves confronted with several beautiful game bird carcasses laid out on a long dinner table. It is made clear that we are responsible for preparing the main course – these birds, and after getting basic instructions on plucking and gutting, we cover ourselves in plastic sheets and get to it. Although nobody was expecting to have to act the butcher, nearly everyone gets involved and the scene quickly transforms into an obscurity of laughing, squealing, flying plumage and bird entrails.
"Although nobody was expecting to have to act the butcher, nearly everyone gets involved and the scene quickly transforms into an obscurity of laughing, squealing, flying plumage and bird entrails"
After all the feathery detritus has been cleared, we enjoy a course of quail eggs, and then a calf’s brain salad that divides opinion but which we find delicate in texture and well-seasoned. At this stage we’re also given a historical presentation about ostriches by artist Julian Walker, whose works also appear in Anatomy. Finally, the cooked game birds arrive, and are heartily enjoyed with sides of roasted vegetable mash and garlic greens, plus prune and rosemary gravy. The final course is popcorn and "hot toddy" ice cream, served as we sit back and watch a short film, before this gleefully chaotic evening comes to a close. Guts for Garters are planning to run more dinners in the future, and we certainly hope they do. While having already devised a singular approach to exhibiting and selling art and fashion, they have now, with the help of Art for Eating, successfully challenged the idea of the dinner party or supper club, as well as what it means to eat and be served.
Anatomy continues at the Cob Gallery in Camden until February 1 2012.
Text by Ananda Pellerin
Ananda Pellerin is a London-based writer and Neil Wissink is a visual artist also based in London. More from The Hunger here, and contact The Hunger here.
