Carsten Höller. Giant Triple Mushroom (Fly Agaric, Bay Bolete, Plums and Custard)
March 28 – April 8, 2023
Pièce Unique – Massimo De Carlo, Paris
A unique piece/pièce unique.
In two ways: a single work in a gallery space. A truly particular object and work of art, ‘unico’ in the Italian sense – ein Unikum.
Until April 8, 2023, Pièce Unique – Massimo De Carlo shows Carsten Höller’s Giant Triple Mushroom (Fly Agaric, Bay Bolete, Plums and Custard) (2018). The work is what its title says: a giant sculpture composed of fragments of a Fly Agaric, Bay Bolete, and Plums and Custard mushrooms, the first making up fifty percent of the object, the latter two twenty-five. For a person of the author’s size (1,68m), the object presents as life-size. Compared to the natural height of the plants, the sculpture measures approximately one hundred times the size. The experience is entertaining and surreal. The object is alluring – juicy – bold, and fun. An ironic gesture in aesthetic disguise.
Mushrooms have been long been an integral part in the deliberate induction of ecstatic states of mind and feelings of euphoria. The Sanskrit hymns, c. 1000-1500 BC, cite the Fly Agaric as ingredient for Soma, a drink believed to create divine powers upon those who drank it. The mushroom’s ingestion, however, induces toxic reactions such as nausea, twitching, sweating, and auditory or visual hallucinations.[1] As the mushroom’s two-sided effects, Carsten Höller’s practice aims at causing confusion and states of hallucination, “but also excitement and delight.”[2] The artist refers to his works as “confusion machines”.
Upon the occasion, an Easter proposition:
Fried Bay Bolete & Plums and Custard with Sherry Vinegar and Thyme[3]
Bay Bolete & Plums and Custard
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Sherry Vinegar
Thyme
Roasted Pepperoncino Bay Bolete & Plums and Custard with Pilaw and Poached Eggs
Pepperoncino
Olive Oil
Garlic
Bay Bolete & Plums and Custard
Jasmin Rice
Butter
Free-range Eggs
Tarte au Citron with dried Fly Agaric rasp
choose your favourite recipe for Tarte au Citron
Dried Fly Agaric rasp
–
Champagne Hélène Beaugrand
Château Sainte-Marie Vin Blanc
Gonzaléz Byass Cristina Medium Sherry
Picture it.
Note: for health reasons, the ratio of ingredients suggested by the artwork cannot be followed in the menu.
Disclaimer: This piece of writing is not an invitation to the consumption of Fly Agaric. For those readers wishing to venture the experiment, the effects usually last up onto twelve hours after ingestion. #eastersundayslunch For safe conduct, visit the exhibition at Pièce Unique, 57, rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris.
[1] https://edu.rsc.org/feature/the-drink-of-the-gods/2020250.article (last accessed: April 3, 2023).
[2] Press text “Carsten Höller. Giant Triple Mushroom (Fly Agaric, Bay Bolete, Plums and Custard)”, 28.03.-08.04.2023, Pièce Unique – Massimo De Carlo, Paris.
[3] This recipe is a variation of a recipe in Sam & Sam Clark’s Casa Moro (2011).