Texan-based artist Ben Campbell has drawn parallels between an ancient culture and corporate America in his latest McDonald's mummy sculptures. The large scale life-like effigies are made entirely of ground fast food, and like traditional Egyptian sculptures, they maintain an aspect of immortality.
McDonald's food is known for having an excessively long shelf life. The lengthy decomposition process is due to a variety of factors, but these are not the focus of Campbell's work. Instead, Campbell is attempting to make an association between the ancient and the contemporary, present here in the forms of time-honored Egyptian burial practices and modern eating patterns. As they both maintain timeless characteristics, a connection is made here via the sculptures between a bygone phenomenon and our present culinary experiences.
Fast Food Structures
Ben Campbell Crafts Mummy Sculptures from McDonald's Meals
Trend Themes
1. Creative Food Art - Opportunities for creating food sculptures or art projects using fast food or other non-traditional food items.
2. Cultural Commentary - Innovative ways to comment on and connect contemporary culture with historical or ancient practices.
3. Sustainability in Fast Food - Opportunities for creating more sustainable fast food options to reduce waste and decomposition times.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food Industry - Exploring new ways to use fast food beyond consumption, such as in art and other creative outlets.
2. Art Industry - Opportunities for artists to use non-traditional food items to create unique sculptures and art pieces.
3. Food Waste Management Industry - Creating solutions for reducing food waste and improving sustainable practices in the fast food industry.