CULTURED's food editor Mina Stone asked over two dozen artists to name their essential foods, from comfort dishes to simple staples. Responses range from Aya Brown's rice (rooted in her Black American and Japanese heritage) to Rob Pruitt's Caesar salad, Kaws's cheese, and Armando Nin's Dominican breakfast Mangú, with many artists citing coffee, eggs, and nostalgic family meals.
This article offers a lighthearted yet revealing glimpse into the personal lives and cultural backgrounds of contemporary artists, humanizing figures often seen only through their work. It underscores how daily rituals and comfort foods can influence creative practice, while also reflecting broader themes of identity, memory, and resourcefulness in the art world.