When Ed Sheeran penned “Shape of You,” he likely never envisioned his likeness crafted from sushi ingredients. Yet, the British superstar is among several celebrities whose images have been recreated using rice, salmon, and pickled ginger by British food artist Michelle Wibowo.
Wibowo, 45, has spent around 120 hours meticulously crafting these grapefruit-sized sculptures. Her edible art includes not only Sheeran but also fellow singer-songwriter Elton John, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, and England football stars Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane. These unique creations were showcased at the CasildArt Gallery in London for a one-day exhibition, in collaboration with Japanese food brand Yutaka, to celebrate International Sushi Day.
The exhibition featured a playful twist on the celebrities’ names, with Sheeran becoming “Edamame Sheeran,” Elton John rebranded as “Eelton John,” and Benedict Cumberbatch humorously dubbed “Benedict Cucumberbatch.” British TV host Alison Hammond also joined the lineup as “Alison Salmond Hammond.”
Wibowo expressed her excitement about the project, noting that while she is accustomed to working with unconventional materials, using sushi ingredients presented a unique challenge. “It was fascinating to see how many ingredients there are for making sushi and how these can be used to create intricate details for the face and hair,” she said in a press release.
Ken Furukawa, CEO of Tazaki Foods, the company behind the Yutaka brand, explained the inspiration behind the exhibition. “We wanted to create an exhibition that celebrates the diversity and creativity of Japanese cuisine and inspires you to be adventurous at home in the kitchen,” he said.
The exhibition aimed to not only entertain but also to inspire visitors to experiment with sushi ingredients in their own kitchens. Wibowo hopes that people find the portraits as amusing as she does and perhaps feel encouraged to try their hand at creating their own sushi art.
The intricate details of the sculptures are a testament to Wibowo’s skill and creativity. Each piece required careful planning and execution, with ingredients like rice and salmon being used to create the texture of hair and facial features. The result is a series of portraits that are both recognizable and delightfully whimsical.
The exhibition was a hit with visitors, who marveled at the creativity and precision of Wibowo’s work. Many took to social media to share their favorite pieces, with “Edamame Sheeran” and “Eelton John” being particularly popular.
Wibowo’s work has garnered attention not only for its artistic merit but also for its innovative use of food as a medium. Her ability to transform everyday ingredients into detailed and recognizable portraits is a testament to her talent and imagination.
The success of the exhibition has sparked interest in future collaborations between Wibowo and Yutaka, with both parties eager to explore new ways to celebrate Japanese cuisine through art. For now, Wibowo is enjoying the positive reception to her work and looking forward to her next creative challenge.
In the meantime, fans of both sushi and celebrity culture can appreciate the unique blend of the two in Wibowo’s work. Her sculptures serve as a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places, and that creativity knows no bounds.
As Wibowo continues to push the boundaries of food art, her work will undoubtedly inspire others to see the potential in everyday ingredients and to experiment with their own culinary creations. Whether it’s a sushi sculpture or another form of edible art, the possibilities are endless.
For now, Wibowo’s sushi sculptures remain a delightful and humorous tribute to some of Britain’s most beloved celebrities, and a testament to the power of creativity and imagination.
