Food For Thought

Part 1 – Cultural Connections at No Mas Cantina

• Describe the dish you chose. Include a photo if possible.

• Identify at least three key ingredients in your dish and research where each one originates.

• How does this experience make you think differently about where our food comes from or how it connects people across the world?

The dish I had was a chicken quesadilla. A chicken quesadilla includes ingredients from different parts of the world. Chicken originally comes from Southeast Asia and was brought to the Americas by European explorers. The tortilla dates back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans, who made flatbreads from corn. Cheese was first made in the Middle East or Central Asia and was introduced to Mexico by the Spanish, leading to the creation of traditional Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca and Chihuahua. Together, these ingredients reflect a mix of global influences in one delicious dish. This experience made me realize that the food we eat often comes from many different parts of the world, and that one dish can bring together ingredients and cultures from all over.

Part 2 – Art, Identity, and Social Commentary at the High Museum

• What are the similarities and differences between Karl Mueller’s traditional Century Vases and Roberto Lugo’s contemporary ceramics?

• Why do you think Roberto Lugo recreated this piece the way he did?

• How does Lugo use art to talk about issues like food deserts, cultural identity, or social justice?

• Which piece or idea inspired you the most, and why?

• If you were to recreate this art piece, how would you express yourself differently? What would you include? 

Both Müller and Lugo use decorative ceramic vases to tell stories, but while Müller’s work celebrates traditional American history, Lugo reimagines that form to highlight voices and cultures that were historically excluded. Lugo recreated the vase to challenge the original narrative by including people and events from underrepresented communities, blending traditional forms with modern culture to spark new conversations. Lugo uses his art to explore identity, poverty, and racial injustice by combining classical pottery techniques with imagery from urban life, making powerful statements about community and representation. The most inspiring idea is how Lugo turns a traditional, elite art form into a tool for inclusion and storytelling, showing that art can evolve to reflect more diverse and meaningful narratives. If I recreated this piece, I would include symbols from my culture and community, mix classical and modern styles, and focus on themes like identity, justice, or everyday life to express my own story.

Part 3 – Making Connections

• How do food, art, and geometry (design) connect in this project?

• Why do you think it’s important to study food insecurity and cultural expression together?

• What questions do you still have about food access, culture, or design that you hope to explore through this project?

Food, art, and geometry connect by using creative design and cultural expression to tell stories about community, identity, and access to resources. Studying food insecurity alongside cultural expression is important because food reflects identity and history, and understanding both helps highlight the challenges and strengths of communities facing limited access. I want to explore how design can improve food access, how culture shapes food traditions, and how art can raise awareness and inspire solutions to food insecurity.

Summary:

After these experiences, I now see food as more than just nourishment it’s a powerful symbol of culture, identity, and community that connects people across history and geography.