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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Food for thought at Science Gallery Bengaluru: ‘Calorie' takes visitors through history and evolution of their primary energy source
The Science Gallery Bengaluru on August 9 began its third physical exhibition season at their premises in Hebbal under the theme 'Calorie'. The various exhibits, artworks, films and interactive experiences are aimed at making visitors think about the source of their food as well as their relationship with it. The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr Ekroop Kaur, Secretary of the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science and Technology; Dr Kiran Mazumdar Shaw of Biocon, one of the patrons of the gallery; and Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, director of the gallery. 'Calorie' spans a range of themes. It highlights the potential of edible insects and features tactile artistic displays like which shows ragi seedlings growing from a bed of discarded e-waste. The exhibition explores the origins of grains through a display of dozens of rice varieties, while its conclusion is represented through a sculpture by artist Dayananda Nagaraju that depicts a tower of gunny sacks used for storing crops. Other thought-provoking artworks on display include food waste that has been dehydrated into pill form, as well as a sculpture room representing drying racks for the Bombay duck, accompanied by recipes for its preparation. Some exhibits are more practical, featuring boxes where edible crickets are cultivated and a large aquarium for rearing molluscs. The displays address issues related to food scarcity, including photographs from the Madras famine and other exhibits. 'Calorie' also includes interactive elements for visitors. One activity invites participants to weave a physical strand through blocks symbolising genes, allowing them to create their own concept for a rice strain. Another activity offers a twist on the classic video game Snake, incorporating elements that encourage players to consider the impacts of scarcity and global warming. The previous exhibition, Carbon, took a similarly broad approach, with exhibits as diverse as graphene sheets at the nano-scale seen in virtual reality, or photographic displays of India's coal mines. Dr Shaw said at the inauguration, 'I am delighted to be part of yet another exhibition season, which explores how every calorie fuels life and the vital links between food systems, ecosystems, farming, and climate. It urges us to rethink how we use resources, grow crops, and adapt to climate change. Like our past work on carbon, it is a space for young minds and experts to question, experiment, and shape ideas that can influence policy.' Speaking to the Indian Express, director Jahnavi Phalkey said, 'Calorie explores our relationship to food and nutrition: what we eat, who grows and makes our food, how it reaches our table across social groups….we have chosen ideas that are based in research and travel well in the public domain. We want our audience to explore what they know and what more is there to know so that they can make informed choices about their own food habits.' She added, 'Our exhibits, as always, come from across the globe including India, and across formats from video games to photographs so that everyone can start to draw ideas from where they are comfortable.' The exhibition will be open for visitors free of charge until July next year.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Science Gallery Bengaluru hosts one-year long exhibition to explore food culture
Bengaluru: Ever wondered about the complexities of the food we consume, how it reaches our plates, and its impact on our bodies and society? In a bid to address this concern, Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) in Ganganagar (off Kempegowda International Airport Road) launched a year-long exhibition Saturday titled "Calorie: The Breakdown," exploring complexities of food consumption, its journey to plates, and its impact on individuals and society. The exhibition was inaugurated by Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. Jahnavi Phalkey, founding director of Science Gallery, stated the exhibition is of great relevance, considering Bengaluru's increasing outdoor food culture. "Bengaluru has a distinct outdoor food culture with diverse restaurants. But what does it mean to be eating out all the time? Our exhibition includes an exhibit on food delivery, examining its implications for both deliverers and consumers," she said. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru One of the exhibits features an innovative display that addresses the habit of eating while watching screens. A sensor camera projects grains onto a TV screen when a viewer's head is bowed towards their food, encouraging visitors to focus on their meals rather than digital content. Another notable exhibit uses artificial intelligence to create a 'food council', where each ingredient, including meats and vegetables, is given personified traits. This virtual council discusses issues such as biodiversity loss, agriculture, food waste, and ultra-processed food, aiming to raise awareness about the advantages and disadvantages of various food choices. Phalkey clarified the exhibition does not seek to judge dietary habits, but aims to equip individuals with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their health. Beyond focusing on food and nutrition, the exhibition also highlights the role of food providers. A large Olympic wrestling ring model portrays the farmer as a wrestler, who combats various challenges to supply food to society. Additionally, the struggles faced by food delivery agents and meat and vegetable sellers are also focused upon. The event running till July 2026 will also host workshops by scientists, chefs, and artists, to reimagine food in its many dimensions. These are designed specifically for the city's youth to understand the processes behind diets and food culture. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
