A Synthetic Food Artist’s Journey in Preserving Local Cuisine Through Art
In an HDB apartment in Ang Mo Kio, the aroma of freshly-fried ngoh hiang fills the air. Two plates of these crispy, golden-brown Teochew meat rolls sit on the table. Yet, when 34-year-old Vanessa Yeo, a synthetic food artist, picks one up, it’s not for a taste—it’s to showcase her craft. Made from resin, clay, and paint, these hyper-realistic food replicas are Vanessa’s creations, embodying her Teochew heritage and artistic flair.
Vanessa’s journey into synthetic food art wasn’t always clear. Initially focused on math and science, she later chose design, finding fulfillment in the creative field. It wasn’t until 2015, working in an ad agency, that she began experimenting with fake food, sparked by a campaign for Netflix. Since then, she’s honed her skills, combining materials like resin and makeup to capture the textures and hues of iconic local dishes.
Though Vanessa now takes on clients, including Old Chang Kee, she balances her art with a full-time job in UI/UX design. Her work as a synthetic food artist remains a passion, allowing her to create tangible art that connects her to her roots and engage others in appreciating Singapore’s culinary culture.
For Vanessa, making fake food bridges art and accessibility, helping her parents and the public understand the value of art. “Art doesn’t have to be abstract or complicated. It can make the everyday magical,” she reflects, hoping her work inspires others to see the beauty in everyday life.
