You’re Invited! Dining with Cultural Inspirations: Zoë Allen, Founder, Artistic Statements
Imagine hosting a dinner party where every detail – from the enchanting venue to the eclectic guest list – reflects the passions and inspirations that have shaped your creative life and work. In this joyful feature, we step into the mind of Zoë Allen, Founder of multidisciplinary art consultancy, Artistic Statements, to explore her ultimate dinner party with the people who have influenced her as a creative.
My Party setup
Venue
Grotta Palazzese, Italy’s most famous cave restaurant in Puglia. There’s something magical about sitting in a naturally formed, large scale void – instead of an architecturally designed structure. It moves us on a deep ancestral level to be in a space that since the birth of humanity has been a safe space to congregate, communicate and create. A magical and enchanted place, this restaurant has been used for parties and banquets since 1700!
Menu
A menu inspired by Salvador Dali’s “Les Diners de Gala” the bizarre cookbook pairs 136 recipes over 12 chapters (the 10th of which is dedicated to aphrodisiacs) with his exceptionally strange illustrations and collages created especially for the publication. And of course there would be Dali – inspired artistic centrepieces on every table!
Entertainment
Inspired by Dali’s cookbook there would be performance artists mingling around the space, as well as an immersive musical / light show highlighting the incredible acoustics and intricacies of the cave walls!
My Guest List
Vivienne Westwood
A rebellious, pioneering, female force of nature.
Artemisis Gentileschi
An Italian Baroque painter, she is considered among the most accomplished seventeenth-century artists, initially working in the style of Caravaggio. She was producing professional work by the age of fifteen. In an era when women had few opportunities to pursue artistic training or work as professional artists. What a woman!
Thomas Heatherwick
In my opinion the most talented and era defining architect of my generation. He’s been responsible for some of the world’s most iconic buildings over the last decade.
Virgil Abloh
The late trail blazing, barrier breaking, black designer. His “expansive and occasional controversial approach to design inspired comparisons with everyone from Andy Warhol to Jeff Koons”.
Es Devlin
One of my favourite artists. An artist and stage designer. She is known for creating large-scale performative sculptures and environments.
Banksy
Call me predictable but the single most famous artist in the world right now. His ability to merge art with activism and maintain a mysterious persona has contributed to his enduring popularity and influence in the contemporary art world.
Zoë Allen, Founder, Artistic Statements
With over 12 years in the art and property industries, I founded my own art consultancy business, Artistic Statements, in 2019. I have worked with some of the top leading property and architecture firms in the UK, and have an incredible network of celebrated artistic and creative talents. I am passionate about creating stand out artworks for my clients, and connecting artists with unique opportunities to showcase their skill.