Palettes & Plates: New York Korean Perspective
- Participating Artists: Nancy Pappas and Peter Serpico
- Curator: Jiyoung Lee
- Exhibition Dates: June 15 – July 13, 2024
- Location: AHL Foundation, Inc. 2605 Frederick Douglass Blvd., New York, NY 10030
- Opening Reception: Saturday, June 15, 2 pm – 4 pm
- Gallery hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 12 pm – 6 pm
- This exhibition is free and open to the public.
The exhibition “Palettes & Plates: New York Korean Perspective” explores what it means to establish one’s identity within the context of food, featuring works by Korean adoptee artists, Nancy Pappas and chef Peter Serpico.
Having grown up eating the given foods of the surrounding environment, people may never have contemplated the profound connection between food and identity. However, artists have long attempted to narrate stories about food through various artistic mediums. The Caribbean-British artist Veronica Ryan has been paying homage to her roots by monumentalizing fruits from her homeland of Montserrat, while Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija hosted an exhibition in 1990 where he served pad thai, taking a relational art approach within the white cube gallery space.
This exhibition delves into how personal memories, emotions, and journeys are reconstructed and revealed through the adoptee artists’ interpretations of food. Led by Nancy Pappas, a visual artist exploring identity through food, the show also features food-themed events and programming by the renowned culinary figure Peter Serpico. This dialogue celebrates the innumerable ways food marks us and the tales it can tell about who we are.
As a South Korean adoptee, Nancy Pappas explores themes of identity and community, creating pieces that foster a sense of belonging and shared cultural appreciation. Her recent reunion with her birth family has deepened her exploration of her Korean roots, enriching her artistic journey. This exhibition showcases a series of food illustrations that reveal a culinary journey of reconnection and understanding of her Korean-American identity as an adoptee, spanning a Midwest upbringing, a vibrant life in New York City, and moments of self-discovery in Seoul. Other pieces include visual narrations of her time in South Korea reuniting with her birth family and later, living in Korea, connecting with other South Korean adoptees and her motherland culture. Food is deeply connected to one’s identity, culture, and memories. Through the flavors of one’s homeland cuisine, people can discover their roots and understand their identities. For adoptee artists and chefs, Korean food serves as a precious medium to uncover their identities and comprehend their cultural roots.
“Food is not a vehicle for the ego, but a selfless expression of generosity and care.”
– Peter Serpico, “Learning Korean: Recipes for Home Cooking” (2022)
A celebrated chef and James Beard Award winner, Peter Serpico brings decades of professional experience, including significant roles with Momofuku and Starr Restaurants. His cookbook, “Learning Korean: Recipes for Home Cooking” (2022), is a personal exploration of his Korean heritage and how it influences his cooking style. As a South Korean adoptee, Peter’s culinary creations reflect a deep connection to his roots and his multicultural family. His work bridges traditional Korean flavors with innovative techniques, creating dishes that honor his heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary cuisine.
As the title of this exhibition “Palettes & Plates: New York Korean Perspective” implies, Nancy will showcase her recent illustrations and paintings with the theme of food and identity, drawing from her memories relating to food and her personal journey to Korea. Peter will invite audiences to share kimbap, a Korean seaweed rice roll that represents Korean culture while embracing the diversity of New York City.
About the Artists
Nancy Pappas
As a South Korean adoptee, Nancy explores themes of identity and community, creating pieces that foster a sense of belonging and shared cultural appreciation. Her recent reunion with her birth family has deepened her exploration of her Korean roots, enriching her artistic journey. Back in NYC, Nancy continues her culinary and artistic exploration through collaborations with non-profits and engagement with various culinary organizations, using her art to support and uplift the industry. Through these collaborations, she highlights the importance of food as a cultural connector and community builder. Her goal is to create illustrations that inspire, connect, and evoke a deeper appreciation for the culinary world.
Peter Serpico
Peter believes in preserving tradition while keeping his dishes simple and healthy. A celebrated chef and James Beard Award winner, Peter brings decades of professional experience, including significant roles with Momofuku and Starr Restaurants. His cookbook, “Learning Korean: Recipes for Home Cooking(2022),” is a personal exploration of his Korean heritage and how it influences his cooking style. As a South Korean adoptee, Peter’s culinary creations reflect a deep connection to his roots and his multicultural family. His work bridges traditional Korean flavors with innovative techniques, creating dishes that honor his heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary cuisine.
About the Curator
Jiyoung Lee is the Director of Programs at the AHL Foundation in New York, where she oversees operations, programs, and organizes exhibitions at the Foundation’s gallery in Harlem, New York City. Lee is also in charge of initiatives for the Archive of Korean Artists in America (AKAA). Prior to this role, she served as the Communications Manager at the Asia Culture Center, the largest arts hub in South Korea, established under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
