Can you spot your country? In this striking new series, New Zealand-based artist Henry Hargreaves worked with New York-based stylist Caitlin Levin to create gorgeous maps all made out of food. Make that real food. Originally inspired by a passion for travel, the two decided to take the food each country is most known for – spices for India, tomatoes for Italy, kiwi for New Zealand – and arrange them in a way that's beautifully pleasant to the eye (and perhaps stomach).
As Henry tells us, “These maps show how food has traveled the globe – transforming and becoming a part of the cultural identity of that place. Who doesn't know the saying ‘throw some shrimp on the barbie' and not think of Australia? Who goes to France without eating bread and cheese? And who makes a Brazilian caipirinha without a fistful of limes?
“These maps are a playful representation of our interpretation of food from around the world, painstakingly created with real unadulterated food. This project speaks to the universality of how food unites people, brings us together and starts conversation – just as we hope these beautiful maps will do too.”
Did you notice that South America is all made out of citrus (see above)? If you look closely, you'll find that each country is predominantly made up of just one type of food. While they used variations within that food, the fact that they stuck to just one type makes each map all the more intriguing.
The typography, done by graphic designer Sarit Melmed, gives the maps a classic, vintage look. Watch how this stunning project all came together in the video, below.
Africa – Bananas and Plantains
Australia – Shrimp
China – Noodles
France – Cheese and Bread
India – Spices
Italy – Tomatoes
Japan – Seaweed
New Zealand – Kiwi Fruit
UK – Biscuits
USA – Corn
[iframe src=”https://player.vimeo.com/video/88753915″ width=”750″ height=”422″ frameborder=”0″ webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen>Henry Hargreaves website
