The newest work from artist Lee Merick is a portrait of The Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.I.AM made entirely from -- you guessed it -- black eyed peas! Strange portraits are nothing new; last week we featured a portrait of Lily Allen made entirely of lilies, and last month the royal wedding was recreated using pizza, but the detail with which this Will.I.AM portrait was completed is unmatched.
The portrait measures 85 cm by 60 cm, and was commissioned by Alton Towers to celebrate the Black Eyed Peas’ forthcoming concert at the Staffordshire Resort. It was completed over a 4-day period and took 24 hours to complete. The black eyed peas portrait contains approximately 5 kilograms of peas, each of which, according to Mericks, were meticulously placed by hand.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Edible Art
- Creating portraits and artwork using unconventional materials like food has become a growing trend in the art world.
- Hyperrealism
- Artists are pushing the boundaries of realism by creating incredibly detailed and lifelike portraits using unconventional materials.
- Celebrity-inspired Art
- Artists are finding inspiration in celebrities and creating portraits that pay homage to their iconic status.
Where This Applies
- Food and Beverage
- The food and beverage industry can leverage the trend of edible art by collaborating with artists to create unique and visually stunning food creations that can be showcased at events or for marketing purposes.
- Art
- The art industry can explore the trend of hyperrealism and celebrity-inspired art by showcasing and promoting the work of artists who push the boundaries of traditional art techniques and materials.
- Event Planning and Entertainment
- Event planners and entertainment companies can incorporate edible art and celebrity-inspired art installations into their events to create unique and memorable experiences for their clients.
