An Exhibition Beyond Numbers
Now running at the Science Gallery Bengaluru until July 2026, 'CALORIE' is a year-long exploration of our deep and often complex relationship with what we eat. This isn't your typical health fair with charts and diagrams. Instead, it uses interactive
art installations, workshops, and films to unpack the science and culture of food. Forget dry lectures on nutrition; here, you can find everything from edible insects and dehydrated food pills to a video game that tackles food scarcity and climate change. The goal is to move beyond simply counting calories and start a bigger conversation about where our food comes from, the systems that deliver it, and the values we attach to it.
Art That Makes You Think
Some of the most powerful exhibits use art to explore challenging themes. For instance, artist Rajyashri Goody's ceramic work 'Don't Lick It All Up' examines the relationship between food and caste, recreating foods that are scavenged or begged for, accompanied by texts from Dalit memoirs. Another installation by Parag Kashinath Tandel focuses on the Bombay Duck (Bombil) fish to tell the story of Mumbai's Koli fishing community, its history, and the impact of pollution. These pieces force visitors to confront the fact that food is never just fuel; it's deeply intertwined with identity, history, and social politics.
Why Bengaluru Is the Perfect Host
It’s no accident that this conversation is happening in Bengaluru. The city is a hub for India's growing health and wellness movement, with a young, tech-savvy population increasingly focused on longevity and preventative health. Trends show a shift away from intense gym culture towards functional fitness, mindfulness, and sustainable nutrition. This is a population that embraces data, from sleep tracking to personalised nutrition, making them the ideal audience for an exhibition that uses technology to decode food culture. The city is a 'millet paradise' and a leader in organic food consumption, showing a public appetite for healthier, more informed choices.
The Modern Indian Food Dilemma
The exhibition taps into a nationwide tension. On one hand, India has an incredibly rich and diverse culinary heritage. A traditional Karnataka meal, or 'Oota', is a holistic experience, a harmonious blend of flavours, textures, and rituals. Dishes like Bisi Bele Bath are celebrated as a perfect one-pot meal. On the other hand, modern lifestyles are leading to a rise in diet-related health issues. There's a growing divide between traditional food wisdom and the modern, globalised diet. 'CALORIE' places itself squarely in this gap, asking visitors to consider everything from heirloom grains versus GMOs to the choice between a local eatery and a fast-food giant.
A New Language for Health
Ultimately, the exhibition matters because it offers a new, more engaging way to talk about health. It moves the conversation from one of restriction and guilt to one of curiosity and empowerment. It acknowledges that our food choices are influenced by culture, community, and history, not just by the numbers on a label. By bringing together artists, scientists, and the public, the 'CALORIE' exhibition provides a platform for critical conversations about creating a more sustainable, equitable, and flavourful food future for everyone. It’s a space designed to spark curiosity, especially among its target audience of young adults, and encourage more informed choices.
