I’ve often wondered what my fridge or, for that matter – yours, says about the personality of the owner user.

Evidently I’m not alone. Photographer Mark Menjivar dedicated the better part of 3 years to photograph the contents of refrigerators and freezers in homes around the country as a way of exploring the issue of hunger. Below is an example of his work – I’ve omitted the caption he wrote that explains where the photo was shot, who it belongs to and a personal note about them – because I think you should view the entire collection after reading his description of the project.  An excerpt is posted below this very very very interesting photo.  Note the snake.  ~ blm

From the photo essay - "You are what you eat" by mark menjivar

“You Are What You Eat is a series of portraits made by examining the interiors of refrigerators in homes across the Untied States.

For three years I traveled around the country exploring the issue of hunger. The more time I spent speaking and listening to individual stories, the more I began to think about the foods we consume and the effects they have on us as individuals and communities. An intense curiosity and questions about stewardship led me to begin to make these unconventional portraits.

A refrigerator is both a private and a shared space. One person likened the question, “May I photograph the interior of your fridge?” to asking someone to pose nude for the camera. Each fridge is photographed “as is.” Nothing added, nothing taken away.

These are portraits of the rich and the poor. Vegetarians, Republicans, members of the NRA, those left out, the under appreciated, former soldiers in Hitler’s SS, dreamers, and so much more. We never know the full story of one’s life.

My hope is that we will think deeply about how we care. How we care for our bodies. How we care for others. And how we care for the land.”

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You really need to view the complete photo essay on this subject. And, if I may, I also recommend you investigate his photo ‘sound portraits.’ mark menjivar