Now Open! Modernist Cuisine Gallery New Orleans

The first gallery to focus solely on food photography by a single artist is now open in New Orleans. Introducing the Modernist Cuisine Gallery, where the groundbreaking works of photographer, chef, scientist, and author Nathan Myhrvold transports beholders to the intersection of fine art, food photography, and science. Located on Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter, the gallery sells limited-edition prints of food photography taken by Myhrvold and found in the books he has authored: Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science, Modernist Cuisine at Home, The Photography of Modernist Cuisine, and Modernist Bread, on sale now.

Wine glasses dancing in a tempest of red, raspberries plunging through pristine water, an unsuspecting group of french fries in the path of a suspended blast of ketchup... just a small taste of sights and scenes on display from the lens of Myhrvold and the culinary lab of Modernist Cuisine. Each print is produced using the highest quality and most durable print methods available, and the opening collection debuts stunning new photos and iconic images from the books. The prints will be available in several frame, media, and size options—including large-scale options for big spaces – available for shipping worldwide.

The grand opening event was held on Monday, November 13th inside the gallery and was open to the public. The catered affair welcomed collectors, fans, local influencers, and passersby making it a true New Orleans community experience.

It was nearly a decade ago when Myhrvold recognized an exciting opportunity to forge a new genre in food photography – portray food in unexpected ways that both fascinate viewers and illustrate the science at work in cooking. The culinary and photography world latched onto his approach in 2011 with the release of Modernist Cuisine: The Art & Science, which prominently captured subject matter in a new, unconventional fashion. Myhrvold and his team at Modernist Cuisine cut cooking equipment and food in half, custom-built lenses to photograph ingredients under a microscope, and used techniques not typically used in food photography to redefine the genre. The books and photography garnered awards and praise around the world and inspired Myhrvold to create a photo book, The Photography of Modernist Cuisine, and a food photography exhibit that has traveled to museums around the country.

Almost immediately after publishing the first book, prints of the photos were in demand. As the portfolio expanded with subsequent books, the idea of the Modernist Cuisine Gallery took form and similar to Las Vegas, Myhrvold gravitated to New Orleans for both its culinary and retail clout. "The city of New Orleans is the perfect combination of art, food, and retail" said Nathan. "We are thrilled to be a part of this incredibly cultured community and look forward to featuring food photography specific to New Orleans cuisine VERY soon."