Background
A Thali is the best way to explore the elaborate Rajasthani cuisine. It is delightful to try a little bit of everything. A traditional Rajasthani thali depicts a brilliant play of gourmet preparations. The meticulous arrangements of curries, pickles, special breads and desserts would delight one and all. The Thali Sequence is a playful depiction of a speculative analysis of the order one follows when eating a traditional Rajasthani Thali.
For enjoying the traditional Thali, a heightened space closer to nature would be favorable. Such a space would invite people to sit leisurely, look around, as well as enjoy their food. It would provide a comparatively quiet and fresh ambiance, and be subtle which would focus the sensory experience towards the food.
– Mansi Bhagwatkar, Academy of Architecture, Mumbai.
The Thali Sequence
The interactive art installation takes the visitor through a playful wonderland. Just as the senses dance with each vibrant, piquant flavor of the thali, the user unfolds various elements of the installation. Each element has a reserved spot on the plate, and defines the way the thali is consumed. This is similar, almost, to the courses of a French Meal.
Eaters use their hands to pick up or pour different elements of the thali into the centrally located rice. If the movement of an eaters’ hand is mapped across the the thali, there is a specific pattern that is created. The eaters’ hands then hop over the various bowls, but always comes back to the front and center. This act of mixing rice with different elements is a very immersive experience. Some of the elements cater to a particular bodily sense – the sweet smell of the rasgulla, the crunchy sound made when biting into a crisp poppadum. Altogether, this makes a thali the ultimate multisensory experience.
The Thali Sequence is an interactive art installation designed and built by the students of the Academy of Architecture, Mumbai as part of an intensive Food+Architecture Workshop. See concept drawings here. Contact us to design a workshop for your students.