We seem to have a strange fascination with all things mini – from teacup pigs to paintings on sugar cubes. There’s something there that warms up our heart with every glance towards that direction.
Pierre Javelle and Akiko Ida clearly feel the same way. Since 2002, the duo has been photographing a series of playful dioramas combining miniature figurines with various kinds of food. Titled Minimiam, the name is derived from the words “miniature” and “yummy” (miam in French).
Through these photographs, we get a sneak peek into the lives of mini people in their everyday situations. Coupled with delicious food, these two professional food photographers sure know how to take a great series of shots.
“Who has not dreamt of diving into a chocolate mousse, or skating on whipped cream! Akiko and Pierre have created a miniature world of gourmandise, the Minimiam. Relive your childhood emotions and smell, taste the photographic adventures that come alive on your plate.” – Minimiam website
The Minimiam project is fascinating and all things delicious, while at the same time drawing our attention to issues found in present day such as climate change and our dominant relationship with nature. Despite these messages, the images are made as a bit of fun and a way to add some more smiles into our every day.
So…who exactly are they?
Pierre Javelle was a bit of a dunce at school. He spent his childhood reading comic books which instilled in him a knack for telling stories in few images. He found his place in art and finished school at the Decorative Arts School of Paris, where he also met Akiko. Working some years as a technician in a photo lab in Paris, he was inspired and learned from the professional photographers he met. He uses the Minimiam concept to illustrate articles in the press.
Akiko Ida is Japanese. Little, she created a miniature world through illustrations. Very gourmande, she started at a young age to photograph the results of her culinary experiences (with bread and pastries) as well as making fake food in miniature. After studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Tokyo, she came to Paris to finish her studies at the School of Decorative Arts, and became a culinary photographer for magazines and cookbooks.
Via Demilked & the Minimiam Website.
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