Indulge Yourself: Art Whino Gallery Arouses All of the Senses

Art Whino's latest show brings together art, music, food, and wine in celebration of life's sensory delights. By Alejandro Salinas

Comments () | Published March 13, 2008

Joseph Conrad wrote in the preface to one of his short stories: “My task which I am trying to achieve is, by the power of the written word, to make you hear, to make you feel—it is, before all, to make you see. That—and no more, and it is everything . . . .” As if taking a cue from the author’s aspiration, Art Whino (717 N. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria)—a gallery that promotes avant-garde, postmodern art—has put together “Indulge: An Evening of Art, Wine, Food and Music.”

Curator Shane Pomajambo describes “Indulge” as a show focused on the many ways in which art can arouse our emotions: “We want audiences to feel as though they’ve had this amazing experience—one that’s stimulated all of their senses.”

How did the idea come about? “We host a number of innovative art shows for the public, and ‘indulge’ just felt like the next step,” says Pomajambo. “It was a natural progression—making a show that’s all about the public’s experience.”

Saturday’s show will be the first of at least three other “Indulge” events tentatively scheduled for later this year. The format will remain the same for all, but the artwork and food will vary according to different themes. “What we want is to make a coherent presentation that stimulates all senses,” says Pomajambo.

This iteration of “Indulge” brings together the haunting paintings of Ted Kliman (Washingtonian food and wine editor Todd Kliman’s father) with the ethereal sounds of electronica musician Yoko K. (a.k.a. Aphrodizia), who will perform live. The wine will be provided by Robert Kacher Selections, and Old Town restaurant Bastille will supply the food.

The show runs this Saturday from 7 to 11 PM. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door; admission includes three drink vouchers. A cash bar will be open all evening.