Rirkrit Tiravanija’s practice defies easy categorization. He combines traditional object-making with performance, teaching and public intervention to explore the role of an artist in society. He is widely recognized for his work that focuses on the cultural impact of communal cooking and eating. In one of his best-known series, he prepared and served Southeast Asian food for gallery visitors.
‘untitled 2019 (five easy pieces) (from the offering series)’ (2019) pays respect to the Japanese culture’s everyday craftsmanship and sweets makers. The work is produced by a Japanese craftsman whom Tiravanija cooked for in 2000 when he performed at a gallery in Tokyo. The artist’s visit to Japan inspired his transformation of plastic food samples into Japanese traditional sweets. The title refers to offerings commonly made by Thai people.