Northern star

Warm and vibrant tones, shaded and deep perspectives, dark backgrounds cut by the northern light. We are not talking about the magnificent Flemish Art, but rather about something unexpected, undoubtedly inspired by it. These incredible photographs capture the essence of everyday life, the intimacy and beauty of nature, the ingredients for a recipe, details of richly set tables adorned with antique objects and fruits, but also the sacredness of a Madonna or a Saint. It is the language – or rather, the aesthetic – of Zaira Zarotti, a young Venetian and daughter of artists. Her blog, The Freaky Table, has firmly established her as one of the most acclaimed food bloggers on the international scene. Her photography is often labeled as still life or food photography, yet it transcends any category, as her artistic signature is truly unique. Her highly original Art ReImagined project presents a deeply personal reinterpretation of some of the most significant paintings from the prestigious international museum collections she has recently collaborated with. And as for Venice, her bond with the city remains as strong as ever.

The Freaky Table.
In 2010, when Instagram was just emerging and blogs were still popular, choosing a nickname was essential for building an online identity, especially internationally. I was shaping my digital presence and sought a name that reflected my style and vision. I chose The Freaky Table, inspired by the South African band Die Antwoord’s song I fink u freeky and I like u a lot, which I picked as manifesto: “You’re quirky, and I like you for that”. It helped define my idea of beauty and uniqueness in art and life. For me, ‘freaky’ means something bizarre, strange, and unique in a positive sense – like a chipped plate that, despite its flaws, becomes something new. Nothing is perfect, and beauty is tied to impermanence and the effects of time.
Fifteen years ago, food photography in Italy was still dominated by glossy, commercial aesthetics. I entered this field with a personal style inspired by art and painting, which are part of my background. I introduced a new approach, highlighting the imperfections of everyday life to convey warmth and authenticity. While online nicknames and blogs largely faded out, I chose to keep mine for continuity and recognition.

A passion for tradition and innovation, classical aesthetics, and contemporary taste through art, photography, lifestyle, and food.
My passion was born spontaneously thanks to the artistic environment I grew up in. Being surrounded by art from a young age allowed me to develop a visual sensitivity that evolved into my personal art language. My studies, from art classes while in high school to the Venice Fine Arts Academy, provided a solid foundation in art tradition, while my photography training at the Bauer School in Milan introduced me to a more modern aesthetic. My style emerged through experimentation, blending classical painting’s attention to composition and light with a playful, conceptual approach to photography. I love the idea of mise-en-scène, creating images that turn reality into a temporal suspension and invite viewers to imagine a world beyond the visible. My first steps in the world of photography took place in Venice, working as a stage photographer for the Venice Theatre Biennale, which deeply influenced my image conception. The theatre’s ability to tell stories through light, gesture, and set design has significantly shaped my passion for staged setups, now a fundamental part of my work.
Food became a favoured subject because it belongs to everyone’s daily experience, yet through photography, it can be elevated to an aesthetic object, transformed into a new visual dimension. This blend of tradition and innovation, art and lifestyle, likely defines my personal language.

Sources of inspiration.
I draw inspiration from a deep connection to the territory where I grew up and from art, which is not just an aesthetic reference but an essential part of my life. Pre-Raphaelite, Renaissance, Baroque, and Flemish painting are inexhaustible sources for me, as are many artists, both ancient and modern, whom I admire. Also, I draw inspiration from various creative worlds: musicians, craftspeople, YouTubers, and makers who have used the web to show their work. Inspiration can come from anything – music, weather, fragments of daily life evoking a particular mood. However, my true centre is nature, especially the world of flowers and plants, particularly edible ones, which constantly inspire my still life and my cooking.

The essential influence of Venice.
My connection to the Venetia, and to Venice in particular, is inevitable regarding photography. The traditional cuisine of my region, rich in history and influences, has always fascinated me. My interest in Venetian culinary history, combined with my photography and my family’s artistic background, led to my first book, Venezia tra cucina e Atelier, which explores the intersection of ancestral Venetian cuisine and the mysterious world of the artist’s shop.
The book unveils the roots of Venetian culture, highlighting the secret alchemies of two seemingly distant yet deeply connected worlds. Venice offers me multiple inspirations from its rich culinary history and artistic tradition. While no place is indispensable, I have several beloved spots that feel like home, such as the Fortuny Museum.

Featured image: © the freaky table