Contemporary Pieces

Contemporary Pieces" serves as a nuanced social commentary, delving into the transformative impact of fast food while highlighting the economic drivers behind its widespread consumption and its repercussions on the health of Americans.

During my residency in the United States, immersed in the intricacies of the American culinary landscape, I drew aesthetic parallels between the prevalence of fast food and the artistic styles of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. Channeling inspiration from the likes of Caravaggio, Pieter Claesz, Floris van Dyck, and Juan Sánchez Cotán, my conceptualization involved staging fast food in a manner reminiscent of these masterpieces. The deliberate minimalist approach, incorporating elements such as plants, textiles, and decorations, introduces a visual contrast echoing the old Masters' exploration of societal conflicts within the middle and lower classes. The exaggerated portrayal of dishes prompts contemplation on prevailing societal norms and consumer choices.

Navigating the creative process involved assimilating techniques from the old masters, allowing intuition and interpretation to guide the crafting of compositions. What initially began as a critical exploration has evolved into a poignant series, eliciting a spectrum of emotions from contemplation to humor and fascination. From 2013 to the present, "Contemporary Pieces" has maintained its timeless significance, consistently engaging audiences across generations and diverse backgrounds, attesting to its enduring relevance in addressing contemporary societal issues.

Initially exhibited at Karussell Hamburg in 2013, it has since been featured at Photography Festivals in Germany and Italy in 2022. From April 2014 to March 2025, the collection is showcased at MOCAK Poland.

exhibitions

Woman in an art gallery with photography on walls, including portraits and still life images, involving food and figures.
Art gallery wall displaying various modern art photographs featuring food and styled figures.
Interior of an art gallery with food photography on walls, people taking photos, empty wooden chairs with blue seats.
Gallery wall with multiple paintings depicting modern still life and portraits featuring fast food, titled "Contemporary Pieces" by Rebecca Rütten.

Curator Edda Fahrenhorst graciously invited my project, Contemporary Pieces, to be showcased at the Umweltfoto Festival in Zingst. The images, ranging in sizes from 80x60 to 120x80, were meticulously printed using the Chromaluxe process. The project was exhibited in the Multimedia Hall in Zingst, Germany, until late September 2022.

An open magazine on a wooden floor, featuring a portrait of a man with long hair and a beard holding a slice of pizza, styled like a classical painting.