Immersive study in illustration narrative of vernacular culture: A practice-based research in northern Italy

This study explores a novel approach to food illustration by integrating embodied cognition theory, which emphasizes the deep connection between sensory experiences (particularly taste and smell) and emotional responses. Traditional food illustration has largely relied on visual cues, often prioritizing sight over other senses that play crucial roles in food culture. By shifting focus from a visual-centred approach to a multisensory one, this research proposes a new method where illustrators take on dual roles as both interviewers and co-creators. Using taste and emotional memories provided by participants, the illustrator translates these experiences into documentary illustrations, aiming to capture the deeper emotional and cultural meanings of food. The study is centred around case studies in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, where ten participants from diverse backgrounds were interviewed about their sensory experiences with four traditional local dishes. Through semi-structured interviews, the participants described their taste memories and emotions, which were then used as prompts for creating food illustrations. The study highlights the potential limitations of this translation process, particularly the challenge of conveying taste sensory and emotional feelings through language before they are interpreted visually by the illustrator. Reflecting on the impact of globalization, commercialization and the rise of AI in illustration, this research argues for the irreplaceable value of human sensitivity in capturing emotional and cultural nuances in art. While the language-based translation process introduces subjectivity and potential information loss, the study opens new possibilities for future research in developing more direct forms of multisensory-to-visual translation. Ultimately, this research tries to contribute to the growing discourse on how food, art and culture intersect, offering an innovative framework for food illustration that engages the senses beyond the purely visual.