ARCH is pleased to announce Table for One by Laila Gohar.

Gohar will create an everlasting meal consisting of a pot beans on a gas stove that continually cook for three days. This tradition is rooted in medieval times, where perpetual stews were prepared, and the pot never emptied. Liquid is added bit by bit to keep the stews going, sometimes for years. For Table for One, Laila made a bean stew which she often prepares at home for herself and eats throughout the week. For seventy-two hours everyone is invited into the gallery for a bowl of beans. 

November 4th, 6pm until November 7th 6pm
(ARCH will be open 24hrs a day)

Laila Gohar works with food and food culture to cultivate a sense of wonder— drawing people closer to their inner child, and, in turn, to one another. Babies begin exploring the world with their mouths; taste connects flavors to memory, emotion, and culture as we move from infancy into childhood. It builds vocabulary, sharpens curiosity, and teaches us about safety, identity, and social bonds as we discover what we enjoy. Human relationships are often described in the language of taste: things can turn sour, feel salty with bitterness, or grow sweet with love.

I cook for a living. And I cook lunch for my studio every day, and my family every evening, after cooking all day. But when I’m alone by myself only feeding myself, I cook in a different way. I have a special genre of cooking which is reserved just for me. It’s the most simple, but sometimes also the most satisfying kind of meal. Sometimes I’m a bit embarrassed to cook this way for other people as it feels too basic. I share this type of cooking sometimes with my boyfriend Ignacio, who’s also the father of my son, Paz. When I cook for Paz I make more of an effort. I am concerned about nutrition and all of those other things mothers are concerned about. But with Ignacio, I don’t worry about that. It is just pure feeding. Ignacio is also a chef. People think we must eat fancy food all the time, but what they don’t know is when we are alone, or alone with each other, we eat very, very simply. Ignacio made these paintings to go with my recipes. We live in New York. Most people here don’t cook. They go out to restaurants every night. Or they order takeaway. I hate takeaway food. I hate the plastic containers it comes in. I hate when food gets cold. The idea of hot food sitting in a plastic bag makes me feel sick. Why on earth would anyone order takeaway for themselves, when they can feed themselves this way, alone.

Date:
04, 05, 06 & 07.11.2025, open 24hrs a day

Add to calendar 2025:11:06 18:00:00 2025:11:07 06:00:00 Europe/Athens Table for One Table for One - More informations on http://archathens.org/event/table-for-one

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