What do you get when you mix the post-millennial American ennui of American Beauty with the lusciously art-directed imagery of a food magazine? "Disparity," a series of impish-but-eerie photographs in which mysterious micro-scenes--a hazmat spill, a diving expedition--are set in, and on, everyday food items like cupcakes and oranges.

Co.Design asked photographer Christopher Boffoli to explain the origins of his oddly compelling vision.