New
New
Food and personal narratives
I can reflect on the cultural identity of food to make a collaborative artwork.
Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
- Year 9
Food and personal narratives
I can reflect on the cultural identity of food to make a collaborative artwork.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Artists use food to create sculptures, installations, or paintings, exploring its form and visual appeal.
- Food can reflect cultural identity and personal experiences, prompting discussions around our shared identities.
- Artists have often been inspired by food as a tool to bring people together and use this connection to create work.
Keywords
Symbol - an object shape or sign which can be used to represent something else
Tradition - an inherited belief, principle or custom
Recipe - a set of instructions for preparing a particular dish
Common misconception
Food is only for eating and cannot be used as an art medium.
Food can be used as an art medium because it evokes the senses and carries deep cultural and emotional meanings.
Greater contextual information on the artists work can be found in the additional materials. Embracing the traditions and values of different cultures can bring many new experiences into someone's life.
Teacher tip
Equipment
A range of fruits and vegetables or images, pencils, pencil crayons, paint, paper, fineliners, oil pastels, computers or other means to search the internet.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does identity in art usually refer to?
What does identity in art usually refer to?
the use of bright colours and abstract shapes
the materials and tools used to create the artwork
Q2.What does the term culture refer to?
What does the term culture refer to?
the geographical landscape of a region
someone's personality
Q3.How can identity be expressed through art?
How can identity be expressed through art?
Q4.How can assemblage be a tool to express identity?
How can assemblage be a tool to express identity?
It is a way of gathering people together.
It teaches someone how to build.
Q5.How can mark-making be used on an assemblage piece?
How can mark-making be used on an assemblage piece?
Q6.Which symbol could represent the Welsh culture?
Which symbol could represent the Welsh culture?
a woodpecker
a bottle of milk
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Which artist is known for creating oversized sculptures of fruits?
Which artist is known for creating oversized sculptures of fruits?
Van Gogh
Banksy
Q2.What is a symbol in art?
What is a symbol in art?
a random design used purely for decoration
a literal object that has no deeper meaning
Q3.Why does food appeal to artists as a source of inspiration?
Why does food appeal to artists as a source of inspiration?
It is cheap to buy.
You can eat it afterwards.
Q4.Is it possible to use actual food ingredients to make art with?
Is it possible to use actual food ingredients to make art with?
No, it's too messy and sticky.
No, it would smell terrible.
Q5.How does food connect people?
How does food connect people?
by providing a distraction from serious topics
through its nutritional content
