A year or two back, our friend (and James Beard-award winning chef) Tiberio Simone asked if he could have some of the honey our bees make here in Wallingford. He wanted to drizzle over the naked bodies of some friends and take pictures. We didn’t end up giving him any, not for any prudish reasons, rather just plain laziness.
It’s a shame, because the book of photos that he and Matt Freedman created, La Figa: Visions of Food and Form, is a truly remarkable, beautiful book, and we missed an opportunity to have a sliver of involvement. Tiberio spent long hours carefully created sculptures of food on the human body for Matt to capture on film. Using cucumbers, chocolate, strawberries, figs, mangos, and even avocados, Tiberio “examines the relationship between food, touch, and the ingredients that make life delicious.”
And yes, it’s sexy.
No, even the more demure of you have the opportunity to see and experience Tiberio’s creations in the flesh. This Friday, September 16th from 7 – 10 pm, Tiberio and Matt will be putting on a PG-rated temporary public exhibition at Wallingford’s Wine World (400 NE 45th St):
“Perhaps we should call our recent appearances our ‘skivvies’ shows,” says Freedman, the photographer who captures Chef Simone’s edible and elusive food creations on the human figure. “We had nude models at our book debut and launch parties, but our message is the fun and beauty of food and flesh together. In some places that’s best expressed by having our models wear underwear and Tiberio’s ‘pasties’ made of fresh fruit or vegetables, so everyone will be comfortable.”
“At the Wine World Ballroom party, we will have some lovely appetizers and desserts for our guests, and live models ‒ some of which will be audience volunteers ‒ and let people enjoy the beauty of food and people together,” says Simone who gestures like the Italian he is when he emphasizes, “Our message is about sensuality notsexuality. As we were working on our book, we started describing our work as “foodity not nudity.”
Although it’s PG, it’s still a 21+ event (due to the wine, we imagine). Treats will be served and music will be provided by another old friend, DJML. Wine will be available for purchase at Wine World (corkage and glasses included) or bring your own wine and check it in at the door.
Nom nom.
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I am quite surprised by the title of the book. “Figa” in Italian is a quite slang word for vagina or pussy … you know what I mean.
I honestly do not find it very appropriate…
Given the content of the book, I’d say it is highly appropriate. Tiberio was born and raised in Italy, so this is no accidental misunderstanding.
Wallyhood. I am Italian too, born and raised. Tibero is using that word only b/c it sounds exotic not erotic or sexy btw nobody in US knows its meaning. I think it is only bad taste…maybe b/c I am Italian and I know when and how the word figa is used…..