April 03, 2004

Food for thought [wince!]

It's time for Books2Eat 2004, The Fifth International Edible Book Festival. At least fourteen countries are participating, with 45 separate events (two thirds of them in the U.S.). The Literary Salon seems a little embarrassed to even report it, but gamely suggests that the event might "get some of the participants thinking about the literary works as well." I think it is a populist form of book art — at times a little kitschy — but still a paean to the resonance of the book as a cultural icon. Some of the pieces celebrate the book as material object,

while others are more conceptual, or provide critical commentary:

Ancient Wisdom (detail) by Linda Aiello. Discovered 6 April 3002. Since a "book" hasn't been made in nearly 500 years, this is a monumental find. Many computer-related illnesses have transpired since the end of Solid Waste Act, 2506.

Of course, some are just dreadful puns. But that's fun too. In all cases, the artists are affirming the importance of the book, and reinforcing ideas of community and shared culture.

And some of the pieces are even low carb.