Käse-Kunst geht viral: Gestatten, Justin BRIE-ber
Justin Bieber has always been a pop icon known for his catchy tunes and celebrity antics. But now, a new version of the singer has taken the internet by storm: a sculpture of Bieber crafted entirely from Brie cheese. The creation, nicknamed „Justin BRIE-ber,“ was posted by artist Ruby Perman on Instagram and quickly amassed over 340,000 likes, 2,500 comments, and an impressive 550,000 shares within just a few days.
The video clip begins with a photo of Bieber, a cheese knife, and half a wheel of Brie. Perman first scoops out the soft interior onto a plate, then carefully cuts the rind to form the singer's clothing. She arranges the pieces to resemble a suit jacket and pants, adding small details like pockets and a crotch seam. The final result is a strikingly accurate miniature figure of the pop star, complete with his signature hairstyle and expression.
Unsurprisingly, the post was flooded with cheesy puns from fans and followers. Some of the most popular comments include: „Excellent use of Brie will“ (a play on free will), „Doesn’t get any Feta“ (better), „This is brie-liant,“ „Un-brie-lievable,“ and „He’s looking cheddar than ever.“ The artist herself joined in the wordplay, asking: „Are you a Brie-lieber?“ – a reference to Bieber's fanbase, the Beliebers (a portmanteau of Bieber and believer).
Ruby Perman is no stranger to turning food into celebrity art. Her Instagram account, which boasts over two million followers across multiple platforms, features a gallery of edible pop culture icons. Among her previous works are an Egg Sheeran (using a fried egg to represent Ed Sheeran), Berry Styles (Harry Styles made from strawberries and raspberries), and Kery Berry (Katy Perry from berries). Cheese is a particularly recurring medium in her portfolio, including Sa-Brie-na Carpenter and Brie-oncé (a cheese portrait of Beyoncé).
Perman's inspiration for these creations stems from her childhood. Growing up in a family that owned a Taiwanese restaurant, she was surrounded by food and creativity. Her grandfather was a calligrapher, which instilled a sense of precision and artistry in her work. She describes her projects as „lovingly crafted edible fashion shows,“ often drawing ideas from red carpet events and elaborate costumes worn by celebrities.
While the Justin Bieber cheese sculpture is her latest viral hit, it is not her first. The artist has been creating food art for years and has gained a loyal following. Her technique involves choosing the right texture and color of cheese to mimic skin, clothing, and accessories. For Bieber, she used a soft-ripened Brie with a white rind that closely matched the singer's skin tone and allowed her to shape delicate details like the jacket lapels.
The popularity of such food art reflects a broader trend in social media: users crave visually satisfying and humorous content that combines everyday items with pop culture references. The puns and clever titles add an extra layer of engagement, encouraging shares and comments. Perman's ability to tap into this trend has made her a standout figure in the niche of food sculpting.
Justin Bieber, now 32, has sold over 380 million records worldwide and continues to be a subject of fascination. His music career began in 2009 with hits like „Baby“ and evolved through albums like „Purpose“ and „Justice.“ Despite controversies, he remains a global superstar. The cheese sculpture is a testament to his lasting impact on pop culture, even if it is in a somewhat melted and edible form.
For those interested in trying their hand at cheese art, Perman offers a few tips: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, work with chilled cheese to prevent crumbling, and let your imagination run wild. However, she warns that not all cheeses are suitable – hard cheeses like Cheddar may be too stiff, while overly soft cheeses like Camembert can be too messy. The ideal is a semi-soft cheese with a firm rind.
The viral success of Justin BRIE-ber also sparked discussions about the art form itself. Some critics question whether food art should be considered ‚real‘ art, but supporters argue that the skill, creativity, and attention to detail required are no less than traditional sculpture. Perman's work, after all, involves not just aesthetic arrangement but also an understanding of the medium's properties. The fact that her pieces are temporary – often eaten after photographing – adds a layer of ephemeral beauty.
In addition to cheese, Perman experiments with other foods like fruits, vegetables, and even breakfast items. Her Egg Sheeran, for instance, required careful placement of egg white and yolk to mimic the singer's face and hair. She also creates simpler compositions, such as fruits arranged to resemble celebrities' faces. Each piece takes anywhere from twenty minutes to several hours, depending on complexity.
The artist's growing fame has led to collaborations with brands and features in media outlets. She has been interviewed about her process and her views on the intersection of food and art. While she enjoys the attention, Perman emphasizes that her main goal is to bring joy and humor to people's feeds. In a world often filled with negativity, a silly sculpture of a pop star made from cheese can be a welcome distraction.
As for what's next, Perman hints at more seasonal creations. With summer approaching, she plans to work with chilled soups and gelatin-based materials. She is also considering a series of athletes made from protein-rich cheeses. Whatever she creates, it is likely to attract the same kind of punny commentary and viral traction. But for now, the internet is still buzzing with Justin BRIE-ber, and fans are hoping the artist will share a follow-up video of someone actually eating the sculpture – a true test of whether art can also be delicious.
Source: bild.de News