Grand Dessert – A Sweet Inspiration
“Grand Dessert – The History of the Dessert”, Kunstmuseum Den Haag
🍓 A show that tastes like memory
I recently came across an exhibition at the Kunstmuseum Den Haag that felt like it could’ve leapt straight off one of my canvases:
Grand Dessert – The History of the Dessert.
It’s more than a museum show — it’s a full sensory experience. The rooms are filled with antique baking tins, recipe books, lavish dessert paintings, porcelain towers, and the scent of apple pie, custard and Es Doger (a coconut dessert from Indonesia) floating in the air.
🍰 Why it moved me
Desserts are often seen as decorative, light, even frivolous. But this exhibition reminds us they hold stories — of celebration, nostalgia, ritual, identity.
There’s history and humour in every sugary swirl. I felt instantly connected to its message: that food, especially the sweet kind, can carry weight and meaning while still being playful. That balance is something I always try to bring into my own work.
🖼️ A table full of stories
Whether it’s a fruit-topped cake or a lobster with attitude, my paintings often revolve around tables. Seeing how this exhibition transforms dessert into sculpture, memory, and even social commentary — it just made sense.
It reminded me that food is never just food. It’s love, legacy, culture, and chaos — all at once.
🔗 Want to see more?
The exhibition may be over – but a slice of cake or a sweet moment never hurts. Inspiration often shows up when you least expect it.