Olympia’s ‘CAKE’ Indulges in the Sweeter Side of Life

As the evenings warm up and New York’s art scene slows down for the season, people spill out onto the streets outside Olympia Gallery, carrying forks and plates, for an extraordinary one-night-only event called CAKE. This exhibition showcased edible works of art, inspired by Marie Antoinette’s supposed quote, “Let them eat cake.” The event featured over 30 fine artists’ confectionery pieces, transforming the two-story Lower East Side location into a temporary dessert parlor.

The initial concept for the show was described as a satirical commentary on a growing pessimistic global social and political climate. However, what eventually unfolded was a heartfelt exploration of pleasure, fleeting moments, and food’s ability to bring people together. By playfully defying the conventional “look but don’t touch” gallery rules, CAKE encouraged viewers to disregard norms by actually sharing food, creating a unique experience.

Through color, texture, method, or idea, each dessert serves as an artistic expression, delving into themes such as anti-commodification, labor, and decay. The exhibited works varied from humorous treats like Heather Benjamin’s vibrant “Cockroach Cupcakes” and Robin F. Williams’ cartoonish “Pie in the Face,” to pieces with a more sculptural feel, such as Leah Dixon’s towering “Bavarian Khalifa,” Eli Hill and Stephanie Temma Hier’s mid-race track scene “Cake Seafood Platter,” Naomi Nakazato’s foamy yuzu crater, and Madeline Bach’s “Orchid Summit II.” Notable inclusions in this showcase also feature.

Ever since it was established in 2015, under the visionary leadership of Ali Rossi, this gallery has consistently pushed boundaries with its rebellious and daring spirit. On this particular summer evening, Olympia took this ethos to unprecedented levels, fostering intimacy, connection, and a strong sense of community: from the silent agreement to leave a central piece untouched, to the numerous hands that gently passed through the artworks before you, and even the use of food as an unconventional yet readily accessible art form. This type of art doesn’t just stimulate your senses; it transforms you in the very act of consumption.

Read on for the full list of featured artists.

Here is a list of names in natural and easy-to-read language: Alicia Adamerovich, Yura Adams, Cassandra Mayela Allen, Madeline Bach, Hannah Beerman, Heather Benjamin, Wells Chandler, Fung Cheung, Magnet Curry, Emily Davidson, Leah Dixon, Tamara Gonzales, Aisling Hamrogue, Colleen Herman, Stephanie Temma Hier, Eli Hill, Erin Lee Jones, Melissa Joseph, Hein Koh, Lizzy Lunday, Lee Maxey, Cristina de Miguel, Nicole Mourino, Naomi Nakazato, Sarah Nsikak, Keisha Prioleau-Martin, Erika Ranee, Adrianne Rubenstein, Alex Schmidt, Pauline Shaw, Jessica Stoller, Robin F. Williams, Mie Yim.

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