Sometimes the most unlikely combinations make for the most delectable experiences. Whoever first came up with salty and sweet probably had a “eureka!” moment to make Archimedes blush. The mashup food art photos of Vanessa McKeown are likewise a delight to the mind, if not to the palate.
McKeown finds structural similarities between edibles and everyday objects and puts them together for an unexpectedly clever image. Balloons are perfect stand-ins for grapes, tomatoes, and eggplants. Sponge cakes are constructed from – you guessed it – sponges, but some of her concoctions require a closer look. What at first seems a delicious chocolate donut with sprinkles turns out to be the underside of a portobello. And that cup of ice cream looks like it’ll really hit the spot, until you realize that it’s a cup of cauliflower florets.
Not only does McKeown have a great eye, sense of humor, and clean aesthetic, but she might be onto some tricks to get fussy children to eat their vegetables. Watch out, Michelle Obama.
Like this article? Check out our coverage of another food artist Henry Hargreaves, or our other artist highlights and interviews.
