When Snacks Become Masterpieces

These pieces were created by Ms. Margaret Lau, BBSG's inaugural Artist-in-Residence. Renowned for her hyper-realistic style and unique focus on snack packaging, she led students through a week-long interdisciplinary exploration that integrated visual arts, cultural symbolism, and philosophical inquiry.

Ms. Margaret Lau

Ms. Margaret Lau, an alumna of the University of Cambridge School of Architecture and a registered architect with the UK Architects Registration Board (ARB), is also a transitioned, full-time hyper-realistic artist. Her works have been featured in over ten renowned exhibitions worldwide, including her celebrated solo showcase, Nostalgic Snacks.

The Magic in Re-creating Snack Packaging

Before Ms. Lau's arrival, our visual art team familiarised the students with her style and encouraged them to collect their favourite snacks for artistic inspiration. The students quickly realised that achieving photorealistic effects required precise technical skills and a mastery of colour. Ms. Lau’s work also highlighted the unique touches and shapes that go beyond simply replicating the original packaging.

Secondary students’ artwork from the Artist-in-Residence Programme

"I always start by touching the package—squeezing it, pressing it. These creases and reflections create unique imprints," Ms. Lau explained to the students. She demonstrated how to observe material textures and use various painting techniques to achieve 3D effects. 

She encouraged beginners in watercolour, saying, "Watercolour is all about transparency. With lighter colours, you can relax and be bold—just fill them in."

Ms. Lau and BBSG students in Visual Arts class

Beyond Art:

Cultural Archaeology and Philosophy

The Artist-in-Residence Programme extended beyond visual arts. In Chinese classes, students explored how snack packaging carries cultural memories and childhood nostalgia. The students' spontaneous reactions to each piece reflected the artistic resonance that artists long to see.

In Chinese class, students used the 5W framework of advertising to develop creative campaigns that blended product messaging with cherished memories

The English department took it a step further by organising a debate alongside a visual poster project titled "Eat to Live or Live to Eat?" This philosophical question also served as an introduction to this semester’s BBSG Enquiry Week into the UN Sustainable Development Goal of "No Hunger."

Ms. Lau offered her feedback on students’ posters

Life Advice From A Crossover Artist

Ms. Lau's transition from architect to full-time artist resonated deeply with students. During the pandemic, she started to pick up water colour painting and discovered that her snack-themed artworks sparked shared memories and provided emotional comfort at a time when many felt isolated. 

Her self-taught journey and persistence also demonstrated that no experience is wasted. Her architectural training enriched her artistic perspective, resulting in a distinctive style.

Ms. Lau shared her early works with the students and discussed her progress along her artistic journey

We all have to remember that no matter what profession, we must keep improving ourselves. When students apply for university, they should pursue their passions. If you like something enough, you will make the best out of it.

—— Ms. Lau

This week-long residency opened new perspectives for our students in artistic techniques. It also helped them find inspiration in everyday objects and develop an artistic lens for viewing the world.