Japanese artist Gaku has perfected the longstanding art of "mukimono" — a unique tradition in Japan of carving designs into fruits and vegetables. I mean, look at it. It's pretty fucking cool.
Folks around the world are being newly introduced to the talented artist and the craft. Some of them have...other kinds of feelings about it.
People are impressed with Gaku's delicate hand, but they're also feeling a bit...unsettled...looking at at his art.
Descriptors like "creepy" and "terrifying" are being used a lot.
And people are confused about why they are having such a strong, visceral reaction to it.
The struggle to figure it out is pretty hilarious, tbh. "This kind of pisses me off and I don't know why."
"I want to punch this food."
"Give me whatever this man is on."
"When the acid kicks in."
Some found the intricate, geometric cuts to be pleasing and displeasing at the same time.
While others just wanted to set it all on fire. Which could be an impulse driven by trypophobia, a fear or an emotional response to images of clusters of holes.
I'd suggest you look through Gaku's incredible Instagram feed, but maybe first take a lap. Breathe.
The artist also carves delicate, awe-inspiring designs out of fruits and vegetables that aren't as triggering.
UPDATE: Gaku spoke to BuzzFeed Japan and said he is a self-taught food-carving artist, and learned about "the world of carving five or six years ago."