‘Painting as Event: Dining Experience’ by Xie Fan

Bangkok Kunsthalle, 31 March, 2025

For Xie Fan, dining is much more than just a meal. It is an opportunity to experience art in its most fleeting and profound form. ‘Painting as Event: Dining Experience’ invites guests into an intimate, multi-sensory environment where every dish, vessel, and interaction becomes a living artwork. The menu for the evening highlights Xie’s distinctive culinary style, paying tribute to—and subtly subverting—traditional Chinese cuisine. The event is a reflection of his philosophy that art’s true beauty often lies in its impermanence.

Xie Fan, who uses food as an essential medium for his artistic practice, explores the intricate relationships between humanity, civilizations, and aesthetic forms through his work. “Food is an essential medium through which I gather materials for my artistic practice," says Xie. “By exploring culinary culture, I seek to understand and express the connections between individuals and the world around us, as well as between civilizations themselves. As we journey toward the unknown future, it’s important to maintain curiosity and reverence toward the diversity of cultures that shape our collective path."

Xie Fan is the visionary behind two highly acclaimed restaurants: 皴 / cun in Shanghai and Datenbank in Chengdu. Datenbank, featured in the Michelin Guide, has become a destination for those seeking a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. At both locations, dining is not simply about food—it is about the moment, the exchange, and the creation of an ephemeral, shared experience.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exclusive event that promises to blur the lines between art and gastronomy. Join us on Monday, March 31 at 7pm for an unforgettable evening that will leave a lasting impression on all your senses.