Artist Erin Carle’s latest exhibition, “you should eat a burger,” serves as a poignant exploration of the intricate relationship between food and body image. Initially, this solo showcase at Unchained.Art appears to present merely vibrant paintings of food, with eye-catching colors and collage-like images of burgers and cigarettes that draw the viewer’s gaze. However, beneath this playful exterior lies a deeper commentary on themes of control, shame, and societal judgment, particularly as they pertain to women’s bodies.
“You should eat a burger” reinterprets a seemingly casual remark, transforming it into the central theme of the exhibit. Gallery owner Christina Hiltscher elaborated, “Erin took this everyday phrase that many women have encountered, and she made it the conceptual focal point of the show. Through food and humor, she delves into issues of body image, shame, desire, and self-doubt, as well as the ways women’s bodies are scrutinized and represented in the media. This is a conversation that resonates with many of us.”
Carle’s dynamic artworks present food in an array of imaginative scenarios, including a skeleton picnic, burgers resembling breasts, and pancakes serving as ashtrays. One notable piece is a ceramic burger sculpture that showcases food in its most elemental form. Additionally, two video installations feature Carle’s experiences as a ballerina, including scenes of her dancing atop In-N-Out-style burgers.
One of the standout pieces features a collage-style cheeseburger adorned with pin-up girls and striking colors, which inspired the overall direction of the exhibition. Carle expressed, “I aimed to create something that was profoundly personal. Having come from a ballet background, I found myself in an environment that was intensely focused on body image. Everything revolves around the body and how one is perceived, so I wanted to craft a series that foregrounds these issues without solely fixating on the body itself.”
Carle’s collaboration with Hiltscher began when she sought representation for her work. Since then, Hiltscher has fully supported Carle’s artistic development and is set to host an event titled “What Comes Next” on July 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. “Witnessing her evolution has been incredibly fascinating,” Hiltscher remarked. “This exhibition marks a significant milestone, as I genuinely believe she is destined for greater achievements.”
Looking ahead, Carle’s upcoming project will delve into dreamscapes while continuing to focus on “the female existence.” She noted that her new work is loosely tied to the food-themed exhibit, with plans to incorporate some pieces into the event next week. “I want to create a space for reflection on how we perceive others’ bodies, particularly women’s, and how we often feel compelled to comment on them while also being concerned about our own,” Carle stated.
“you should eat a burger” is on display until July 25 at the Unchained.Art Contemporary Gallery.
