During the Open Studios of the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam, Rotterdam-based artist Benjamin Li presented his work in a special way; his artworks were exhibited in his “Billy Li” bar. This playful setting forms the basis for his current exhibition at FOAM, where he further explores this theme.
In FOAM 3h, a space dedicated to emerging talent, the exhibition offers an interactive experience centered on the Chinese-Indian restaurant. This type of eatery is an essential part of Dutch culinary tradition and serves as a starting point for Li to explore broader themes such as family, cultural heritage and personal identity.
Journey through identity and gastronomy
Since 2014, Li has visited more than a thousand of these restaurants throughout the Netherlands. He collected photographs of interiors and dishes, as well as folding menus and personal stories. His search for the “perfect orange” is more than a culinary endeavor; it also touches on family ties, cultural identity and the Asian diaspora in the Netherlands. These eateries symbolize the resilience and experiences of migration, integration and identity of many families, including the artist’s own.
In his exhibition, Li interweaves photography, video, sculptures and puzzles, using images of dishes to highlight both the beauty and stereotypes surrounding these gourmet neighborhood restaurants. The exhibition pays homage to the cultural heritage of Chinese-Indian restaurants and invites audiences to reflect on what these places truly represent.
Interactive exploration of cultural identity
A striking element of the exhibition is the “Chinese-Indian restaurant Stickeralbum,” where visitors can actively participate by collecting and exchanging stickers. At the center of the space is a large round table with a rotating artwork inspired by the board game Halma, also known as Chinese checkers. The pawns are meticulously carved in the shape of roses, a nod to the Chinese carving art in which Li’s father excels.
Through this exhibition, Li challenges us to reappraise the heritage and significance of these iconic restaurants within the community. These eateries are an important but often overlooked part of Dutch history and, for many families, play a vital role in their sense of home and cultural identity.
About the artist
Benjamin Li (b. 1985) is a conceptual artist from Rotterdam with a background in photography and psychology. After his residency at the Rijksakademie Amsterdam, his work was included in collections of the LAM Museum and the AkzoNobel Art Foundation, among others. He is known for his incisive reflections on themes such as identity and cultural representation, touching a sensitive chord in social debate.
Li’s exhibition at FOAM 3h has been made possible by DLA Piper, Van Bijleveltstichting and the Mondriaan Fund. The exhibition will be on view until December 1, 2024.
For more information, visit www.foam.org.
photo :
courtesy of the artist Benjamin Li
