Spotlights (M.S.G Edition) — Joy Li
Joy Li’s work is a vibrant gradient of super graphic illustrations, a plethora of quirky typefaces and the kind of if-you-get-it-you-get-it jokes that make you laugh, cry, think, laugh again and then think some more.
We spoke to Joy about David Chang’s Ugly Delicious, inedible carved carrot swans and her favourite dish: Signature Biang Biang Noodles (w Spinach Noodles) from X’ian Eatery
Can you describe the role Asian restaurants have played in your life?
Despite being seemingly too expensive or salty for my mother’s judgemental tongue, we would ironically go to Asian restaurants to eat all the dishes she was never really able to replicate. For my family and I, they have always been the place to greet guests, friends and all the distant relatives I never knew existed — to toast our health, boast our wealth and roast our duck.
Beyond a physical space, they’ve been aggregators of the culture I have inherited. Despite growing up in Australia, they have helped facilitate my connection with these uniquely ‘Asian experiences’. Such experiences include: lost-in-translation menu moments, etiquette lectures, takeaway doggy bags, fighting over the bill and simultaneously disinfecting utensils and scorching your tongue on complimentary tea.
What inspired you to illustrate this dish?
Being asked to participate in this project, I decided to illustrate the most recent dish I had at an Asian restaurant. A long-time childhood friend of mine had taken me to try Xi’an style Biang Biang noodles, so the experience was extra nostalgic.
It was during the same time I was in-between watching David Chang’s show ‘Ugly Delicious’ that I had the inspiration for this unconventional out-of-this world depiction of these noodles. There was something about the thick green spinach noodles that had this inherent ugliness that I wanted to capture and elevate to an almost alien but majestic artefact.
“For my family and I, they have always been the place to greet guests, friends and all the distant relatives I never knew existed — to toast our health, boast our wealth and roast our duck.”
Did illustrating the dish change your appreciation of it?
From the gaudy extravagance of inedible carved carrot swans and pagodas of fine dining establishments, to the home-style dankness of half empty bottles of sriracha and floral tissue boxes on vinyl-wrapped tables, Asian restaurants have always been a source of my visual inspiration and intrigue. However, this illustration was an opportunity to experiment with an alternative visual style and reimagine how Asian food can be depicted.
Why is it important for you to push this message right now?
It’s odd to reminisce about restaurants in times like these. Whilst I’m enjoying the pseudo-restaurant of my family’s cooking, it’s important during these moments to support Asian restaurants who have been affected by the restrictions, racist sentiments and continuing stigma — not only for our future memories and experiences but also for our culture.
Any recommendations for Asian takeaway joints at the moment?
Support your local family-run establishments when cravings strike!
I’m constantly craving a good Bánh mì.
“Whilst I’m enjoying the pseudo-restaurant of my family’s cooking, it’s important during these moments to support Asian restaurants who have been affected by the restrictions, racist sentiments and continuing stigma — not only for our future memories and experiences but also for our culture.”
ABOUT THE M.S.G PROJECT
This special edition of Spotlights is in collaboration with More Of Something Good (M.S.G). We interviewed five of their artists about their favourite Asian restaurants, how COVID-19 has affected the hospitality industry and their current take-away recommendations.
More Of Something Good is the No.1 Online Illustrated Food Directory. In response to the racially-targeted attacks and stigma surrounding COVID-19 and the Asian community, STUDIO MIMU are countering the fear and tension with an online directory of Asian restaurants recommended by artists. M.S.G is a 100% not-for-our-profit initiative that’s good for the hood.
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Images provided by
More Of Something Good