A Couple of Little Things: A performative installation

An interactive food installation by eating designer Marije Vogelzang.
A Couple of Little Things by Marije Vogelzang

A Couple of Little Things is an interactive performance dinner installation by eating designer Marije Vogelzang. The installation, which exhibited at last year’s Helsinki Design Week, was in collaboration with Food Camp Finland and Olo Restaurant.

Vogelzang, who participated at the Design Indaba Conference 2008, is interested in the psychological aspects and the experience of eating. A Couple of Little Things was inspired by the Finnish children of the Second World War who were taken in by Swedish people. Refugees faced dislocation, distress and uncertainty and through small acts, arose humanity.

All the senses were incorporated in the installation. While the guests lay down, they were fed, caressed with gentle touches; they listened to singing and watched live painting.

Although the installation took place last year, it is still very relevant as the plight of refugees increases.

“I think every human being is scared of being lost, and every human being can or should be comforted. And that’s what we’re trying to do with this performance,” Vogelzang says.

Watch a clip of the installation below.