Photo : Ursula Schmidt
Festive Dishes: The Drawn Portion
Exhibition as part of Here and Elsewhere: Stories of Cuisine
Bibliothèque Goutte d'Or (Paris 18th)
About
Festive Dishes: The Drawn Portion
Exhibition by Ursula Schmidt as part of the Here and Elsewhere event: Stories of Cuisine, in the 18th arrondissement libraries.
The exhibition showcases a selection of drawings from a series of artist sketchbooks: "Carnets de la Goutte d'or - Château rouge" created in situ from life during explorations of the neighborhood, and shared meals in the district, including "Festive Meals," an event initiated by 4C, FGO-Barbara, and the Ethnographers, a kitchen and solidarity community space, featuring banquets and neighborhood kitchens.
These drawings immerse us in the behind-the-scenes of the preparations, when everyone brings something: a recipe, ingredients to discover, a gesture, a story, when the place becomes a space for meeting, sharing, and solidarity. The quick trace of the sketch captures the action alongside the slower, more deliberate naturalist drawings of ingredients—food plants specific to the cuisine of the neighborhood's residents and its local shops.
Our take on this event
Peek behind the scenes of local culinary traditions through a series of vivid sketches that celebrate the shared spirit of neighbourhood feasts. Whether capturing the energy of communal cooking or the delicate details of exotic ingredients, these artworks offer an intimate look at the recipes and stories that define this vibrant area.
The exhibition Plats de fêtes: la part dessinée arrives at the Goutte d'Or library from November 3 to November 28, 2026. Artist Ursula Schmidt presents a series of sketches captured live within the 18th arrondissement, documenting the local culinary scene, communal banquets, and the shared gestures that define neighborhood life. Blending quick action sketches with detailed botanical studies of local ingredients, this collection highlights themes of solidarity and cultural exchange. Admission is free for everyone, and the venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users, as well as visitors who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have cognitive disabilities.
As part of the Ici et ailleurs: Histoires de cuisine event hosted across the 18th arrondissement's libraries, Ursula Schmidt exhibits her work from the Carnets de la Goutte d'Or - Château rouge. Created in situ, these drawings document the vibrant food culture found in local kitchens and communal gatherings, including projects initiated by 4C, FGO-Barbara, and the solidarity space Les Ethnographes.
The exhibition offers an intimate look at the preparation behind these feasts, turning the kitchen into a space for human connection. The artist contrasts rapid, gestural sketches of the cooking process with slower, naturalistic drawings of ingredients and edible plants found in local markets.
The exhibition is open to the public at the Goutte d'Or library until November 28, 2026. Entry is completely free of charge. The facility is equipped to welcome wheelchair users and provides specific accessibility features for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or living with cognitive disabilities.
