Petr Davydtchenko’s ‘KHAM: The Road’: A Culinary Exploration of Roadkill

Petr Davydtchenko’s ‘KHAM: The Road’ exhibition at A/Political features roadkill served as haute cuisine by chef Masayoshi Haraguchi. The artist shares his journey of relying on scavenged foods, challenging societal taboos surrounding consumption. The exhibition combines dishes like roadkill consommé with photographs portraying the intersection of life and death, prompting discussions on resource distribution and cultural values.

Petr Davydtchenko, an artist known for his unusual relationship with food, exclusively consumed roadkill from 2016 to 2019 due to his impoverished upbringing. In his latest exhibition, “KHAM: The Road,” at London’s A/Political gallery, he collaborates with chef Masayoshi Haraguchi to present roadkill as fine dining, flipping conventional perceptions of taste and value.

The exhibition showcases a blend of culinary art and photography, mirroring the contrast of haute cuisine with scavenged animal carcasses. Guests experienced a unique first dinner, beginning with a surprising “bloody” beetroot drink, followed by innovative dishes like roadkill consommé and roasted pheasant. The menu incorporated flavours and styles from various cultures, showcasing an elevated presentation of what is often dismissed as waste.

Davydtchenko meticulously sources his ingredients from London’s outskirts, demonstrating an extension of the life cycle of animals typically overlooked. His rigorous process ensures freshness by utilising meat found within days of death. Additionally, the exhibition features photographs of Davydtchenko himself, bridging the line between the artist’s body and his culinary creations.

Supporting the art is a recipe book published in Baron Book’s Death Book series, which reflects on Davydtchenko’s journey into off-grid living. The exhibition invites viewers to contemplate both human and animal bodies, food culture, and societal structures. Davydtchenko challenges the taboos surrounding roadkill, provoking discussion about our relationship with food and resource distribution.

Petr Davydtchenko’s exhibition, “KHAM: The Road,” is not only a culinary experience but also an exploration of taboo and societal structures surrounding food. By presenting roadkill as haute cuisine, he encourages a deep reflection on consumption, values, and our connection with nature. His work pushes boundaries, challenging audiences to reconsider their perceptions of food and scarcity. Ultimately, through his artistic lens, Davydtchenko offers a radical approach to living and eating, emphasizing sustainability and the fragility of life.

Original Source: www.documentjournal.com