A Foodie's Wonderland
2024
The concept of the exhibition is inspired by the classic children’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.Opening the timeline of food, constructing the discourse of "food and time,"
and combining various imaginative scenes on the table, this exhibition redefines the imagination of table settings in a way that breaks from tradition,
creating a foodie's wonderland.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Building a fantastical gourmet realm that transcends convention.
Tears are the gateway to the world: sorrow tells you "who I am."
Don't be afraid of the unknown: as long as you keep walking, you'll eventually get somewhere.
Who will guide you towards your dreams? Sometimes, you don't even need to knock on the door.
You must be crazy to come here. Nothing is impossible in this dreamlike wonderland!
Exhibition Concept
A Foodie's Wonderland
The exhibition concept is inspired by the classic children’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Driven by curiosity,
Alice falls down the dark rabbit hole and encounters a host of quirky characters and animals, embarking on a series of whimsical and imaginative adventures.
The exhibition is divided into 14 zones:
- Falling Down the Rabbit Hole
- The Pool of Tears
- The Animal Race
- The Twins’ Storytelling
- The Lobster Quadrille
- Mr. White Rabbit’s Pink House
- The Flower Choir
- The Caterpillar’s Advice
- Appearance of the Cheshire Cat
- The King’s Alchemy
- The Mad Tea Party
- The Red Queen’s Back Garden
- Alice on Trial
- The Real World
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Exhibition Area 14
A Foodie’s Wonderland
2024
The entire space brings together a curated selection of contemporary art and design in sync with Europe, along with food-related books, fermentation experiments, culinary experiences, ceramics, mixed-material woodworking, and fruit and floral arrangements. Visitors can also participate in related afternoon workshops and talks.
The Gourmet’s Dreamlike Wonderland exhibition spans nine months, unfolding along the timeline of a meal: from afternoon tea, to appetizers, first course, second course, main course, and dessert — each stage presented as part of a continuous culinary journey.
Chapter I
"Afternoon Tea Time"
In curating Afternoon Tea of Food and Time, we invite visitors to reflect on the subjective nature of time.
Time is only meaningful to the individual; whether it feels long or short is shaped entirely by how one chooses to define it.
This event draws inspiration from an ancient ritual—one that intertwines food and time into a seamless experience. Afternoon tea, in this context, becomes more than just a momentary pause; it unfolds as a slow, deliberate adventure, a flavorful exploration, and a true moment of respite.
As curators, we aim to create a space where visitors can not only engage with the traditions of afternoon tea but also experience it as a meditative journey—one that encourages them to slow down, savor the present, and celebrate the union of food and time.
As they explore the thematic "gates" of the world around them, we remind our visitors not to rush but to enjoy the harmonious celebration of both the pleasures of food and the preciousness of time.
The Afternoon Garden
The small bread and butterflies kiss the tulips, the sun like a toy balloon rises among the morning glories. In the golden afternoon, the hills are adorned with dizzying daffodils, and clusters of violets stand together, while the tiger lilies love the flower playboys. Lions in the golden afternoon, with dogs, caterpillars, and copper centipedes, lazily rest among daisies, who enjoy a very peaceful life... You can learn many things from flowers, especially in June, when there is an abundance of happiness and romance. Everything is in the golden afternoon. You can learn many things from flowers, especially in June, with its rich happiness and romance. All—golden afternoon!
Chapter II
"Appetizing Moments"
French Pastry Art x Soup Me Artist Artwork Auction
Chapter Two, "Appetizer Time," departs from the serious atmosphere of traditional formal auctions. V.galleria's main focus is on edible art, auctioning table decorations such as sculptural pinecone desserts, cakes in jewelry boxes, and pillow-shaped desserts, as well as live creations of food juices by artists. In this whimsical paradise for food lovers, everything is filled with curiosity and fun!
On the eve of Christmas, we are honored to have invited French-Taiwanese artist Chen Mei-chen and pastry chef Le Patissier Wu Ting-wei, both of whom are pursuing their dreams and passions on their creative paths in their respective fields!
Chen Meicen won the first prize in painting at the 2024 Venice Biennale, and Wu Tingwei won the first prize in French Master Pastry (MOF). A culinary surprise beyond a visual feast!
Visual art and culinary delights combine to create fun and aesthetically pleasing auction moments!
Chapter III
"Main Course"
The main course, as the most significant dish in a meal, not only provides the body with the necessary nutrients, but also carries profound historical and cultural connotations.
Each main course, regardless of its origin, reflects the unique geographical, historical, and spiritual values of the local area.
It is not only a taste pleasure, but also a cultural transmission, condensing people's memories, emotions and identity into every bite of food.
The exhibition space is divided into five exquisite zones: spiritual nourishment, international cuisine, rare and forest, red heart Versailles and the market.
Each area is like a window, leading visitors into different cultural and culinary worlds, allowing them to experience the beauty of spirit and art within.
First Dish|The Spice Republic 2003
First Main Course | Spice Republic 2003
Life without spices is like the earth without the sun; just as food needs spices to reach perfection! The "Spice Kingdom in World Cuisine" exhibition features a selection of spice combinations, offering visitors a multi-sensory experience that engages the senses of sight, taste, and touch, allowing each participant to explore and create the flavors of food alongside characters from the film.
Documentary director Liao Zhe-ru will introduce the background and content of the film "Spice Republic". Everyone has their own spice memories, and this exhibition will also lead the audience in a blind smell test: star anise or fennel, which aroma makes our heart race? Spices are an experiment in life, and we are the protagonists in the film, immersed in the experience.
Second Dish|Delicious 2021
Second Main Course | A Delicious Romance 2021
From classic Western cuisine to traditional Eastern delicacies, this is a feast for the senses, a celebration of food and drink, and a celebration of ideas.
Antrodia camphorata, a precious Taiwanese ingredient known as the "ruby," is a gift from nature. Every bite is a dance of the taste buds, and every flavor is a culmination of the soul.
As a health supplement, Antrodia camphorata is gradually becoming a new trend in the culinary world. This exhibition invites participants to explore the layered flavors of Antrodia camphorata and present a unique flavor experience. Every detail reflects a passion for promoting a healthy eating culture and demonstrates respect for the sustainable development of nature. In this exhibition, we will use the spring roll competition between the North and South as a backdrop, employing Antrodia camphorata as an ingredient to make this dish shine like a jewel.
Main Course|Eat Drink Man Woman 1994
The Third Main Course | Eat Drink Man Woman 1994
This exhibition showcases some classic visual scenes from director Ang Lee's films from 30 years ago, including scenes of Chef Afa and Chef Yang personally chopping vegetables at the Qingqing Restaurant, the selection of 500 dishes and 500 bowls of ingredients, and the use of "blue and white porcelain" scenes from the film as an important visual element for home decoration. In the past, porcelain from official kilns was reserved for the emperor's use, and these exquisite porcelains have now become an important cornerstone of culinary culture.
Over time, Taiwan's food culture has evolved from bar snacks to modern fine dining, a transformation that reflects the culinary spirit deeply rooted in Taiwan's alleyways. As Shu Guozhi said in "Talking About Food on a Poverty," food, though simple, contains boundless emotions and stories. Thirty years ago, food served as a bridge connecting people emotionally; today, our culinary experiences transcend regional and ethnic boundaries, blurring the lines between things like whether a zongzi (sticky rice dumpling) is from Guangdong, Fujian, or Taiwan, transforming these bonds of friendship into urban picnics.
Chapter IX
Desserts
In medieval Europe, desserts were luxurious and sacred, like angelic radiance, while in Asia, they are closely intertwined with seasonal rhythms, tea culture, and festivals.
Regardless of the region, a sweet ending always brings joy.
This season's exhibition, "Desserts," reflects the convergence of culinary arts, culture, and artistic evolution. The event, themed around picnic desserts,
will showcase the fusion of tradition and innovation through collaborations with artists and lecturers, ultimately creating a dreamlike wonderland for food lovers.
The theme "Pick-Unique" will emphasize a return to simplicity, aiming to bring the freshness of spring into the urban jungle.
It breaks stereotypes with vibrant colors and dynamic tones, echoing the rhythm of the metropolis.
Join our "Urban Picnic," where relaxation is not just about lifestyle aesthetics,
but also about fostering a deep connection with oneself and achieving a natural balance and wisdom between mind and body.
Looking ahead, we hope to develop synergies with our busy partners, creating shared values rooted in sustainability and cultural resonance, and generating socially valuable outcomes.