Beyond the Calorie Count
While the idea of a 'calorie exhibition' brings to mind diet charts and nutritional data, Science Gallery Bengaluru has consistently aimed for a much broader conversation. Its recent major exhibition, 'CARBON', which ran until June 2024, is a perfect
example. It tackled the very element that underpins our food systems and energy cycles. Instead of focusing narrowly on the calorie as a unit of energy, the gallery explored the entire journey of carbon—from being fundamental to life on Earth to its role in the climate crisis. This approach transforms the conversation from a simple 'what to eat' into a more profound 'why it matters'. The gallery’s ethos is to connect art and science, creating a two-way bridge between complex research and the public. Visitors weren't just told facts; they were invited to question their relationship with this foundational element.
An Interactive Playground for Science
The power of the gallery's approach lies in participation. The 'CARBON' exhibition featured over 35 interactive exhibits where visitors could engage their senses. Imagine touching coarse charcoal to understand the world of a coal miner or feeling the silky texture of cocoons modified with nanotechnology. One artist, Anaïs Tondeur, created portraits of Bengaluru's sky using carbon particles collected from the air, making invisible pollution visible and tangible. Another exhibit by Maria Joseph featured a common plastic Monobloc chair being slowly consumed by mycelium, a network of fungal threads, prompting reflections on waste and decomposition. These exhibits don't just present information; they create memorable, sensory experiences that help visitors connect with abstract scientific concepts on a personal level.
From Personal Diet to Planetary Health
By framing the discussion around carbon, the gallery masterfully links our daily food choices to the planet's health. The founding director, Jahnavi Phalkey, noted that the goal was to foster an appreciation for carbon's role in life while also confronting its ability to harm our world. Exhibits explored everything from nanocarbon technology to the impact of burning fossil fuels. One visitor reflected that the exhibition made them more conscious of unnecessary carbon release from activities like deforestation and electricity use. This wider perspective is crucial. It elevates the topic of nutrition from a personal wellness goal to a matter of collective responsibility and environmental stewardship, showing that our actions form a cycle that impacts everything.
The Future is About 'Calorie'
Building on this successful model, the gallery is turning its focus explicitly to food with its next major exhibition season, aptly named 'CALORIE'. An open call for this future exhibition sought interactive and experimental works exploring food, nutrition, cooking, and consumption. Set to open in 2025, 'CALORIE' will delve into humanity's intimate and often fraught relationship with what we eat. It will examine food through the lenses of politics, caste, history, and technology. Planned exhibits include an installation on the Koli fishing community and another exploring the relationship between food and caste. By using art to engage with these complex subjects, the gallery continues its mission to make vital conversations accessible, encouraging visitors to question, experiment, and ultimately shape a more sustainable and just food future.
