Our beautiful world has always been set up with "haves" and "have-nots." Some get to feast in Michelin-starred restaurants, while most of us have to settle for fast food and bologna sandwiches.
Henry Hargreaves and Caitlin Levin are a creative duo with a love of expressing their passion for food and art at the same time.
In their most recent photo essay called "Power Hungry," they provide a visual timeline of the kinds of meals that are gobbled up by the rich and powerful, and the food that's usually consumed by the "hungry," not as fortunate folks.
The project started out of curiosity about what dictators in ancient Egypt and Rome ate. The pair quickly noticed that those in power used starvation as a way to keep people down.
That inspired them to put together this photo essay, showing what was eaten in Egypt, Rome, pre-revolutionary France, and present-day North Korea, Syria and the US.
Hargreaves told Visual News:
“We want people to literally and figuratively sit down and look across a table to see the glaring disparities between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots.’”
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France (Before the Revolution of 1812)
Before the French Revolution, the wealthy had it going on with their fancy fruit bowls, wine and flowery centerpieces. However, the poor kids, like the ones in Les Mis, had to settle for some bread and water on a good day.
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North Korea (Present Day)
Right now, North Korean president Kim Jong-un is probably enjoying a feast consisting of steak, dumplings, kimchi and a bunch of delicious desserts. The food-deprived folks of North Korea must make due with some broth and crackers.
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Ancient Egypt
The Ancient Egyptians got down with their fruits and veggies. Even then, the powerful had way better quality fruits, while the rest ate calorie-deficient celery and pieces of bread.
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Roman Empire
The wealthy Romans used to roll pretty deep in healthy greens and colorful fruits as well. The poor ate beans and bread, not quite as colorful.
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Syria (Present Day)
Wealthy Syrians eat like they just discovered Olive Garden. With spaghetti and salads, they can feast all-you-can-eat style. The poorer folks in Syria however don't have anywhere near that luxury. They're happy with clean water.
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US (Present Day)
The good ol' American one percenters can eat Thanksgiving-like meals on the regular. Three-course meals are nothing to the wealthy here in the US, but the poorer folks live of that PB&J diet. Who can forget that nutritious soda that goes with every meal?
