Rotten by Joe Buglewicz, a photographer based in Brooklyn, New York, is a portrait series that focuses on decomposing foods. The entirely unappetizing subject matter has been shot against a pristine white backdrop with impeccable lighting, juxtaposing a sterile set with a not-so-sterile focus. Of course, it is these contrast that will really capture people's attention. After all, rotting food isn't really foreign to anyone.
Addressing the guilt of letting plenty of perfectly good food rot, Rotten by Joe Buglewicz is an honest portrayal of a bad habit. Buglewicz observes, "When something goes bad we don’t want to smell or see it, just straight into the garbage. But providing a polished and clean environment for people to really see how chaotic and pretty food decomposition can be seemed like a fun way of setting everything up."
Decomposing Food Portraits
Rotten by Joe Buglewicz is an Honest Portrayal of a Bad Habit
Trend Themes
1. Food Waste Awareness - Projects like Rotten by Joe Buglewicz increase awareness about the issue of food waste and can prompt innovation in reducing waste.
2. Aesthetic Appeal of Decay - The contrasting beauty and grotesqueness of Rotten's still-life compositions highlight a trend towards appreciating visual depictions of decay and impermanence.
3. Minimalist Photography - Rotten demonstrates the continued popularity of minimalist photography as a trend in modern visual arts.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Companies may leverage a focus on reducing food waste as a unique selling proposition that resonates with consumers, based on increased awareness brought about by works like Rotten.
2. Fine Art Photography - Joe Buglewicz's work is an example of provocative and attention-grabbing fine art photography that can inspire innovation in the industry.
3. Consumer Goods - Companies may find inspiration from the minimalist aesthetic of Rotten to incorporate visual elements of decay into product design or branding, particularly in health and beauty sectors where natural ingredients are valued.