Art à la carte: The Story Behind The Creature

Appetizer

When you enter our restaurant, you will immediately notice our bar. Not just because of the lovely bartenders we have, but because of the exploded person that hangs above it. Yes, you read that correctly. Capital Kitchen is inspired on the theme The Inner Human Being, and The Creature fits right in, let us tell you why.  

Main course: Artist and Thoughts

Joep van Lieshout is an artist full of energy. “If you ask me what my worst nightmare would be, I would think of war. Terrible. But retirement seems even much worse to me ” When van Lieshout got the question to create an artwork for Capital Kitchen, he came up with The Creature.  

The Creature gives an exploded view of a human being. “Exploded view” is a term that is used a lot in the world of design. It seems as if the parts have been pulled apart, as if the model exploded. At the same time, it floats in the air like a spaceship. It is man in dissected form. And with that, the question is on the table; who are we? Who are we as a man? As an individual? What pieces create us into who we are? As van Lieshout would say: “Art always asks questions, art never gives answers”.  

Chef’s Pairing: The brownie with dark chocolate mouse

Now, that we explained a bit about The Creature, have a look at the menu of Capital Kitchen. Pairing to this artwork, we think our brownie with dark chocolate mousse and bitter chocolate sorbet matches the vibe. It might not ask the big existential questions, but it does share something with The Creature: layers. Different elements, each distinct, yet incomplete without the others. 

The deep, velvety chocolate, the sharp bitterness of the sorbet, the smoothness of the mousse—separate pieces that, together, create something whole. Just like Van Lieshout’s work, it makes you wonder: how do the right pieces come together to make something truly unforgettable? 

One bite, one thought at a time. 

The Last Bite

Even though this artwork offers a lot of food for thought, it is also our most fun piece of art in the kitchen. Not for it looks or thoughts, but because of its functionalities: it has a hidden tap in one of the legs! Ask our bartenders for a demonstration if you are curious.  

Ready to admire this artwork of Joep van Lieshout in real life, or did this blog made you hungry? Either way, make your reservation today!