ERIKA

BLACK FOREST CAKE /

© 1984

Erika,  fashion choreographer,  designer,  and  popularizer of modern culture,  eats a visual meal.  In  a  downtown  radical chic  apartment,  she  coordinates  the  patterns  and  food  to accomodate her distinct personal style.

Angular  black and  white  decor and  animal  skin  exoticism forms  the motif in the  composition of  Erika's  favorite  meal. She articulates her posture,  seated with  legs tightly crossed, the  plate of cake  balanced in her hand.  The  first  forkfull of cake dissolves  in her mouth,  the chocolate and cream flavor posessing  a  pleasurable  familiarity.  Some  wine  is  sipped enhancing  the  sweet  taste  sensation.   In almost  measured mouthfull portions her fork continues  dividing neatly through each layer of the cake.   Erika  licks the last  remaining traces of  cream  form the  fork,  recalling  childhood  instructions  in etiquette.

Erika  has been  secretly addicted  to ground cacao seeds,  or chocolate, for years.  Extensive  chocolate therapy is reported in her file.  This treatment has produced an unusual desire for almost  raw red meat which  she regularly  consumes, and an aversion  to   cabbage,   jello,   and   apples,  which   produce gastrointestinal discomfort.