Jell-O, As Art

For most, the word Jell-O likely inspires images of questionable desserts in the high school cafeteria, or maybe those legendary 1980s Jell-O commercials featuring comedian Bill Cosby.

But the folks of the Gowanus Studio Space have reimagined the jiggly, gelatin-based dessert as something else entirely: art.

In June, the workshop space will host its third annual Jell-O Mold Competition, in which artists and design buffs reinterpret the once lowly cafeteria fare as objets d’ art in the highest form.

“It’s kind of like an edible plastic,” said Competition Director Michelle Zatta, explaining that Jell-O actually makes the perfect medium for all sorts of art given its versatility and affordability.

“You can suspend things in it, buy it in all sorts of colors and it wobbles!” said Zatta.

In the past, entries have ranged from Jell-O recreations of oysters, pies and other edibles to Jell-O drinking glasses, lampshades and jewelry. Winners are judged based on factors like structure, creativity and even taste, with Jell-O flavors like cream cheese, bloody Mary and basil making appearances.

“We really didn’t know what to expect the first year,” said Zatta, “But we’ve found that food really is the most universal form of design.”

This year, Zatta said they expect at least 30 to 40 Jell-O artisans to enter the competition.

“We’re really looking at food as art,” said Zatta. 

For more information and details on how to enter the Jell-O Mold Competition, visit the competition website.