Tyler Shields

Californian photographer Tyler Shields and his posse of rising stars continue to push the boundaries of modern taste, with edgy collections that play with female sensuality, sexual liberation and empowerment. This arresting shot (pictured above) – entitled Tongue-Tied, from his 2012 collection Mouthful – is typical of his work, taking seemingly ordinary subject matter and using it to make a striking and subversive statement. It does also make us really want a strawberry lace...

Tyler Shields is represented by both Imitate Modern (imitatemodern.com) and A Gallery (agallery.co.uk)

Sarah Illenberger

When Sarah Illenberger looks at food, she doesn't see it in the same way most people do (under their nose and on the way into their mouths). She views it as full of artistic potential, which she fully mines to create striking images that merge the edible with the inedible. From a pomegranate grenade [pictured] to a pair of cupcake headphones, Sarah’s humorous yet thoughtful work is some of the tastiest art in the world.

For more information on the artist see: sarahillenberger.com

Stephanie Diani

Long before Lady Gaga slapped on a load of steaks and called it fashion, another LA-based artist had already explored the idea of meat couture. Stephanie Diani’s ingeniously titled Offal Taste had relatively humble beginnings: "The idea occurred to me in the market," she explains. "There were gizzards on display and my first response was to be grossed out, but then I saw and loved the delicate color palette of the pieces." Still, we're pretty sure this particular range won't be coming to M&S any time soon.

For more information on the artist see: stephaniediani.com