Or when fruit and vegetables suddenly play theater - exhibition and palm carving workshop
What began with lovingly arranged breakfast plates has developed into its own little universe over the years: for many years, Berlin artist and theater maker Marlis Hirche has been creating imaginative images from fruit and vegetables - sometimes graphically, sometimes poetically, sometimes dramatically, but always with a good dose of humor.
And one motif crops up again and again: the palm tree.
No coincidence. Marlis Hirche has been traveling regularly to the Atlantic island of La Gomera since 1991. The ubiquitous palm trees there have become a symbol of longing, peace and vitality for her. In many cultures, the palm tree is a symbol of freedom and the "tree of life" - ideas that are still visible in her work today.
Around four years ago, an unusual ritual began to emerge from this: Every Sunday, Marlis Hirche creates a new "peace palm" from fruit and vegetables. The creative process often begins at 5:00 in the morning. While everything is still quiet outside, edible miniature worlds of carrots, cucumbers, radishes or melons are created in the kitchen. What initially seems playful also has something meditative about it: the works are created intuitively, almost like improvised theater on a plate.
Marlis Hirche is now supported by her partner Oliver Dassing - in life as well as on stage - together they form the theater company "Die Pyromantiker Berlin". Oliver Dassing complements the palm pictures with carved chairs, tables and small figures made of vegetables. Children in particular love the idea that you can not only look at a chair, but actually eat it.
The finished arrangements are photographed and sent to an ever-growing circle of friends, acquaintances and family members every Sunday. Many respond with spontaneous associations, little stories or even poems.
Now, for the first time, the Sunday "peace palms" are leaving the digital realm and being shown in public. Marlis Hirche and Oliver Dassing will be presenting their first exhibition at Projekthof Karnitz e.V. on June 13 and 14 as part of the "Open Gardens of Mecklenburg". Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., new "palm plates" will be created live from fruit and vegetables. Visitors are expressly invited to cut, shape and play along - at the first palm carving workshop. And perhaps it will all end - quite appropriately - with a big soup together.
It is striking how the work has changed over time: The "edible visual worlds" have become increasingly theatrical, detailed and narrative. Almost every motif now contains a small zebra - the symbol of the theater group. Sometimes it immediately catches the eye, sometimes it is hidden between celery, cucumber slices and palm fronds.
In the meantime, the project continues to grow: an Instagram presence is in preparation, as well as an annual calendar and a small book project. In other words, these palm trees have long since taken root.
The exhibition can be seen at Projekthof Karnitz until the beginning of July.
Peace palms
Idea: Marlis Hirche
Design: Marlis Hirche & Oliver Dassing
Photos: @dassing
Material: fruit, vegetables and toys
Die Pyromantiker Berlin
0171 3789808
post@feuerwerktheater.de
www.feuerwerktheater.de
