# Artful Fast-Food Packaging These Painted French Fry Containers Reference Pop Culture Iconography By Jana Pijak | Published 2013-04-12 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ben-frost References: [materialicious](http://materialicious.com/2013/04/38-painted-mcdonalds-french-fry-containers-ben-frost.html) & [ifitshipitshere.blogspot](http://ifitshipitshere.blogspot.ca/2013/04/original-art-with-side-of-fries-38.html) From the comic book heroes and cartoon characters of our childhood to famed art piece reproductions, these painted french fry containers by Australian artist Ben Frost pay homage to pop culture iconography. Whether featuring Batman, Bart Simpson or an iconic image by American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, this variety of packaging containers from fast food chain [McDonalds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcnuggets-land) enforce the retailer's own iconic status as one of these cultural icons. Exploring the relationship between capitalism and pop culture culture, Ben Frost celebrates familiar subjects that are a household name to a majority of individuals. The artist uses McDonald's french fry containers as his canvas thanks to the retailer's international popularity, corporate longevity and iconic cultural status that can be recognized by a multitude of past, present and future generations. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 94% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Customization](https://www.trendhunter.com/customization) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Pop Culture Packaging:** Creating fast-food packaging that references pop culture helps businesses align themselves with millennial and Gen Z consumers. - **Fast-food Art Collaboration:** Collaborating with artists to create unique fast-food packaging creates buzz and increases brand recognition. - **Cultural Iconography Tribute:** Referencing well-known cultural icons and art pieces in packaging design can spark nostalgia and emotional connections with consumers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast-food Industry:** The fast-food industry can take advantage of creative packaging design to differentiate themselves and stand out in a crowded market. - **Art Industry:** Artists can collaborate with businesses, such as fast-food chains, to showcase their unique skills to a wider audience and make art more accessible to everyday consumers. - **Marketing and Advertising Industry:** Creating visually appealing and culturally relevant packaging can help businesses to break through advertising clutter and connect with consumers on a deeper level. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plastic-Made QSR Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-canada-art-series.md) - [French Fry-Shaped Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fry-thru.md) - [Expressive Meal Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blank-happy-meal.md) - [Fast Food-Themed Roads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonaldsfries1.md) - [Crinkle Fry-Inspired Clips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fries-clips.md) - [Street Burger Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/street-fighter-menu.md) - [Minimalist QSR Packaging Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-packaging.md) - [Fast-Food Graphic Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-x-graniph-1.md) - [Sci-Fi Show QSR Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-x-stranger-things.md)