Dhana Merritt: DM teahouse

Overview

When is sitting and drinking tea more than just one of life's simple pleasures? When it's also art. Dhana Merritt's interactive piece asks you, the viewer, to enjoy a hot cuppa and participate as you see fit. Reading, chatting and just kicking back and relaxing are all encouraged.

While you're doing all of the above, you're also invited to contemplate your particular contribution to the artwork. Here, you're not just thinking about someone else's creative efforts, but also contemplating the fact that you're a part of it.

Of course, that’s not all there is to DM teahouse, with Merritt using the shared act of pausing to consume a heated beverage to delve into relational aesthetics and experience theories. Given that she's also interested in medicinal plants and communal art activities — as befitting her current university studies in naturopathy, as well has her degree in visual art — that all seems rather appropriate.