marije vogelzang's strangely-shaped food 'volumes' aim to counteract overeating

artist and eating designer marije vogelzang is studying the visual relationship we have with food, using her behavioral research to introduce an artistic element to the ordinary dining experience. ‘volumes’ is a series of objects placed directly on a plate, interrupting and reorganizing the quantity of food we normally perceive. research shows that our brain uses our visual capacities to register what we have eaten. vogelzang attempts to influence our eating patterns by making us feel that there is more food than actually present. 

vogelzang has crafted a collection of prototypes made from stones wrapped in food safe, heat resistant silicone, and painted in a palette of punchy colors. the weight of the rocks make the plate heavier, physically influencing the perception of volume. the stones also have thermal qualities — putting them in hot water keeps food warm; placing them in the freezer keeps it cold. 

furthermore, the organically-shaped objects allow for the styling, presentation, and aesthetic preparation of various dishes. ‘by giving more attention to the presentation of our food we might be able to change our mindless consumption behavior into a mindful experience,’ vogelzang describes. ‘for centuries we have been making plates and bowls. why not add a new element to our dining experience?’

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