Culideco l is a new media art exhibition by Ruston Banal

Culideco is a conceptual framework developed by interdisciplinary artist Ruston Banal, derived from the fusion of the words “culinary” and “deconstruction.” This artistic and scholarly endeavor employs photography and design to explore the intricate narratives behind heirloom dishes—culinary traditions often perceived as lacking aesthetic “styling” and historically regarded as subordinate to Western cuisine. By systematically deconstructing these dishes, Banal seeks to critically examine their “provenance”—the origins and contextual significance of each element—highlighting the sophisticated culinary methodologies that existed long before colonial influences.

Through extensive research on traditional food practices, particularly grassroots cooking traditions in his hometown of Pampanga, Banal has documented the meticulous processes that define indigenous culinary methods. These range from the preparation and butchering of livestock to the rituals of presenting meals. His findings underscore the depth of indigenous culinary knowledge, refined over generations of experimentation and adaptation. When colonial powers arrived, local communities integrated foreign ingredients into their established culinary practices, adapting them to native resources. This phenomenon aligns with historical records indicating that Spanish expeditions to the archipelago were primarily driven by the search for spices and culinary ingredients.

Over time, culinary exchanges resulted in a collaborative evolution, further shaped by the introduction of foreign ingredients, such as canned goods, which streamlined traditional cooking methods. Banal posits that contemporary Filipino cuisine is the product of a dynamic cultural interplay—an amalgamation of external influences seamlessly woven into a distinct gastronomic identity.

The concept of culinary deconstruction aims to elevate the appreciation of Filipino cuisine by incorporating a design-oriented perspective. This approach serves as a form of cultural decolonization, challenging conventional Western plating aesthetics and advocating for the development of a distinct visual language rooted in indigenous culinary traditions. By integrating elements that connect communities to their food heritage and the natural environment and by utilizing modern tools, technology, and social media, Culideco aspires to foster a deeper sense of cultural self-awareness.

The exhibition itself embodies the principles of decolonization, strategically placed in public spaces to democratize access to cultural discourse. Each piece within the exhibition underscores the intrinsic value of Filipino heritage, reinforcing Banal’s belief that culture is never “cheap” but rather an invaluable testament to identity and history.

Ruston Banal, a native of Betis, Pampanga, holds a degree in Fine Arts with a major in Art History from the University of the Philippines. His studies in photography have taken him to institutions in New York and London, and he graduated with the highest distinction in Design from Goldsmiths, University of London. A three-time Ani ng Dangal awardee from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Banal continues to push the boundaries of artistic and cultural discourse through his interdisciplinary practice.

The dishes below are shown in flat lay from the raw and fresh form as ingredients (left) to cooked formed (right).

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